Composite User Interface Creation via Segmentation and Mediator Principles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of switching between multiple applications with different user interfaces degrades operator efficiency, particularly in call centers where operators need to access various applications simultaneously to process customer inquiries, leading to increased costs and complexity in implementing combined solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating model data representing a composite user interface, which models user interface elements from multiple source applications, allowing for the creation of a unified interface that can be used to communicate with source applications, and includes a graphical user interface for specifying and editing model data, enabling the selection of appropriate interfaces based on predefined parameters to optimize user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple applications are combined into a single product or product suite, then user efficiency is improved, but implementation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composite user interface into separate interface elements, each corresponding to different source applications. This allows the unified interface to be constructed from modular components that can be independently configured and mapped to their respective applications, reducing overall implementation complexity while maintaining user efficiency benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a composite user interface as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple source applications. This mediator consolidates access points into a single unified interface while maintaining connections to underlying applications through configurable mappings, thereby improving user efficiency without requiring integration of applications themselves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications with different user interfaces are used, then functional versatility is maintained, but operator efficiency degrades due to switching between interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple source application interfaces into a single composite user interface by mapping interface elements to their corresponding applications. This consolidation allows operators to access multiple applications through one unified interface, eliminating the need to switch between different interface styles and improving operator efficiency while preserving access to all original applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite user interface serves as a universal access point that can interact with multiple different source applications through configurable mappings. This multi-functional interface provides consistent user experience across different applications while maintaining the ability to access diverse application functionalities, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing versatility.
3Productivity
If a unified composite user interface is created, then user efficiency is improved, but the need for training on new interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different portions of the composite user interface to be mapped to different source applications with their respective interface characteristics. This enables the unified interface to adapt its local behavior to match the underlying application's expected interaction pattern, reducing the need for users to learn a completely new interface style while maintaining fast task processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for modeling and generating a composite user interface comprising a plurality of user interface elements provided by at least one source application. Modelling the composite user interface comprises modeling at least part of a user interface provided by the or each source application, and modeling relationships between the at least part of the user interface provided the or each source application and the composite user interface.