Custom Controls Configuration in Data-Driven Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems and applications, such as EXCEL and VISUAL STUDIO, rely on traditional programming, limiting the ability to configure custom controls in data-driven environments, as they have pre-defined properties and options for displaying data, which restrict flexibility and customization opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A custom controls configuration system using a data-driven programming language, like M, receives view information and customized configuration metadata to generate customized views of controls, overriding default settings and providing metadata-based customization options for developers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional programming languages are used, then system stability is maintained, but customization flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional imperative programming mechanisms with a data-driven programming model. Instead of using complex programming languages with rigid control structures, the system uses data files and configuration metadata to define control behavior, substituting mechanical programming operations with data-based definitions that are inherently more flexible and easier to customize.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameters of programming by shifting from code-based control to data-based control. Configuration metadata files contain parameters that define control properties, allowing customization through data modification rather than code changes. This parameter change enables flexible adaptation while maintaining system stability through structured data formats.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-defined controls are used, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability to specific needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components where each control element can be independently configured through metadata. This segmentation allows specific controls to be customized without affecting the entire system, maintaining reliability through modular isolation while enabling adaptability through individual customization of control properties and display characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces configuration metadata files as intermediaries between the core system and custom control requirements. These metadata files serve as a buffer layer that allows customization without direct modification of system code, preserving system reliability while enabling flexible adaptation through configurable parameters defined in the metadata.
3Ease of operation
If hard-coded properties are used, then system stability is maintained, but ease of configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard-coded configuration mechanisms with data-driven configuration files. Instead of modifying system code to change control properties, users can simply edit metadata files containing configuration data. This substitution dramatically improves ease of configuration while maintaining system stability, as the core system remains unchanged and only external data files are modified.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing custom controls configuration. In one embodiment, a system comprises a custom controls component configured to receive view information associated with a default view of controls, and receive customized configuration information indicative of a customization of at least one aspect of the controls. The default view of controls is based on data and default configuration information, and the data and the default configuration information are represented via a data-driven programming language. The custom control component is also configured to generate a customized view of the controls based, at least, on the default view of the controls and the customized configuration information. The configuration information comprises metadata, and the customized view of the controls includes a modified view, help text, or a description of a field associated with the controls.