Context-Sensitive Web Menu for Computer Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management software for centrally managed computer systems and networks faces latency and bandwidth issues when presenting available actions to users, as generating and communicating new web pages for each object selection is burdensome, and error messages can detract from the user experience.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves generating a web page with embedded JavaScript that dynamically changes menu items based on object selection, without requiring new page generation, clearly indicating unavailable actions and providing explanations for their inactivity, thus enhancing responsiveness and reducing network burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If new web pages are generated and communicated for each object selection, then the user receives accurate information about available actions, but the system experiences increased latency and bandwidth burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating a master web page containing all possible actions and their contextual availability information. Instead of generating new pages dynamically for each object selection, the system prepares the complete action menu in advance with JavaScript code that automatically filters and displays only relevant actions based on the currently selected object. This eliminates the need for repeated page generation and reduces latency significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using JavaScript to dynamically update the visibility and state of menu items based on the selected object, rather than generating static new pages. The action menu transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where items are shown or hidden based on contextual relevance, providing accurate information without the overhead of full page regeneration.
2Loss of information
If new web pages are generated and communicated for each object selection, then the user receives accurate information about available actions, but the network bandwidth is heavily utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The master web page with complete action information is generated once and transmitted to the client, eliminating the need for repeated transmissions. The preliminary preparation of all possible actions and their contextual availability reduces network bandwidth consumption by avoiding multiple page generation and communication cycles for each object selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by transmitting a single master page template that contains all possible actions, and then using JavaScript to copy and display only the relevant subset of actions based on the selected object. This approach reduces bandwidth usage by transmitting one comprehensive page instead of multiple object-specific pages.
3Productivity
If a full list of actions is provided that remains the same across objects, then the system reduces page generation overhead, but error messages are generated when actions do not apply to selected objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the action menu context-sensitive through JavaScript. Instead of showing a static full list of actions that may include inapplicable options, the system dynamically enables or disables menu items based on the selected object type and state. This maintains system efficiency by avoiding page regeneration while improving user experience by preventing error-prone selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing visual indicators (such as disabling or dimming) for actions that are not applicable to the currently selected object. This immediate feedback prevents users from selecting inappropriate actions and eliminates the need for error messages, thereby maintaining both system efficiency and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a computer management method. This method involves responding to a “get web page” request by generating a web page with graphic representation of computer system objects and embedded script-based context-sensitive menu control. Once the web page is displayed, the method provides for responding to selection of one of said graphic representations by activating and inactiving menu items in accordance with properties of said objects embedded in said web page with said objects under control of said script-based context-sensitive menu control.