Command Interface Conversion for CRM Software Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent user interfaces across different versions of customer relationship management (CRM) software applications lead to incompatibility issues and inconsistent functionality, making it challenging to integrate CRM information seamlessly across various systems and interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A method is implemented to convert a command interface definition from a server computer to a client computer, using a conversion program that encodes the interface in a web browser-compatible format, allowing the CRM information to be rendered consistently on either a ribbon or command bar interface, depending on the client software's capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different versions of application software are used to access CRM information, then users can access CRM information through various interfaces, but incompatibility issues and inconsistent functionality arise between interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidfunctionality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal command interface definition that can be rendered across multiple application software versions and platforms. By defining commands in a standardized format that maps to platform-specific implementations, the system achieves multi-functionality where a single command set works across Outlook, Outlook Web Access, and other email clients, ensuring both adaptability and functionality consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary command interface layer between the CRM server and various application software versions. This intermediary definition acts as a mediator that translates between the standardized command set and platform-specific implementations, resolving incompatibility issues while maintaining consistent functionality across different interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If CRM information is integrated into application software with different user interfaces, then accessibility is improved, but integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of interface definition from platform-specific formats to a standardized command interface format. By parameterizing the command definitions in a version-neutral manner, the system reduces integration complexity while maintaining accessibility across different application software versions through automated rendering of the standardized definitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10437584B2Web client command infrastructure integration into a rich client application

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A command interface for a software application is implemented on a client computer. A first definition of the command interface is received from a server computer. The first definition includes rules for encoding the command interface on a web browser. A conversion of the first definition to a second definition is performed. The second definition includes language for encoding the command interface on a user interface of the software application. The second definition is used to render the command interface on the user interface of the software application.