Compositional Entity Modeling for Low-Code Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing entity modeling approaches in enterprise computing environments require specialized IT personnel and are cumbersome, involving different software tools and manual coding, which slows down the development process and increases errors due to the separation of entity modeling and database management.
Innovation Solution
A low-code application development platform with a compositional entity modeling system that uses reusable and extensible entity building blocks, allowing users to define entities and their relationships visually, eliminating the need for manual coding and integrating entity modeling directly into the application development platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional entity modeling approaches are used, then data administration and entity modeling expertise can be ensured, but development time increases to months and requires specialized IT personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables business users to perform entity modeling themselves through a visual interface without requiring specialized IT personnel or data administration expertise. The low-code platform provides self-service capabilities where users can define entities, properties, and relationships independently, eliminating the need for specialized skills while maintaining data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The entity modeling process is segmented into visual, drag-and-drop operations rather than requiring complex coding. The platform divides entity modeling into discrete, manageable components (entities, properties, relationships) that can be assembled visually, making the process accessible to non-technical users while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software tools are used for entity modeling, then functionality can be achieved, but complexity increases and functions are not reusable or extensible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges entity modeling capabilities directly into the application development platform, eliminating the need for separate, specialized entity modeling tools. This integration consolidates multiple functions into a single unified platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full functionality through the visual modeling interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The low-code application development platform provides universal functionality that handles both entity modeling and application development within a single system. The platform is designed to be multi-functional, supporting entity creation, property definition, relationship mapping, and application building without requiring users to switch between different specialized tools.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual coding is required for entity modeling, then precise control over database structure can be achieved, but development time increases and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual coding operations with an automated visual modeling system. Instead of requiring users to write code to define database structures, the system uses visual drag-and-drop operations that automatically generate the appropriate database schema. This substitution maintains precise control over database structure while eliminating time-consuming coding tasks and reducing human errors.
Data Source
AI summary
An entity modeling system integrated with a low-code application development platform may have a web/mobile-based user interface that can run in a browser environment on user devices ranging from desktop computers to smart phones. Users such as a subject matter expert may access an entity model designer tool of the system to model an entity. Responsive to user interaction with an entity composition function, the system may access a data store over a network and generate a view including a collection of entity building block(s) retrieved from the data store. Responsive to the user selecting a first entity building block from the collection to add to the entity, the system may automatically extend the entity to include settings of the first entity building block. The settings may include at least one of a property, permission, action, behavior, or resource to the entity.