Drag-and-drop Data Binding via Adapter Classes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional data binding techniques are cumbersome and difficult for programmers to implement, especially for rapid application development, and current programming environments do not provide direct methods for binding data objects to Microsoft Windows forms or web forms.

Innovation Solution

A workflow data binding system that provides a graphical framework for users with limited programming skills to associate data from resources like databases and XML with software application components, using drag-and-drop functionality and adapter classes to expose data in a Microsoft .NET compatible environment, eliminating the need for defining specific data properties and allowing multiple data bindings on workflow objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional data binding techniques are used, then data can be accessed from external sources, but the implementation becomes cumbersome and difficult for programmers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of data binding implementationVSAvoidcomplexity of data binding implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adapter classes as intermediary components that bridge the gap between data sources and workflow objects. These adapters automatically handle the complex data binding operations, transforming raw data into workflow-compatible formats without requiring programmers to manually implement binding logic. The adapter acts as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between data sources and the workflow system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service data binding where the workflow engine automatically performs data binding operations without requiring extensive manual programming. The drag-and-drop interface allows users to visually configure data bindings, and the system automatically generates the necessary code and executes the binding operations, making the process accessible to users with limited programming skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If traditional data binding methods are used, then data can be bound to forms, but rapid application development is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of application developmentVSAvoidtime required for data binding implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring adapter classes and data source templates before the actual data binding operation. These pre-built components are ready to be dragged and dropped onto workflow objects, eliminating the need for programmers to create binding logic from scratch. The preliminary preparation of binding infrastructure enables rapid assembly of data-bound workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manual code writing and compilation with an automated drag-and-drop interface. Instead of mechanically typing code and compiling it, users can visually drag data sources onto forms and the system automatically generates and executes the binding code, significantly reducing the time required for data binding implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If current programming environments are used, then data binding can be implemented with code, but direct binding methods are not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with Microsoft Windows forms and web formsVSAvoidease of direct data binding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal adapter classes that can work with multiple types of data sources and target forms simultaneously. These adapters are designed to be multi-functional, supporting both Microsoft Windows forms and web forms through a common interface. This universality allows the same binding mechanism to serve multiple purposes across different form types, enhancing compatibility without requiring separate binding implementations for each form type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9395958B2Systems and methods for drag-and-drop data binding

Publication Date: 2016.07.19 OPEN TEXT SA ULC

AI summary

A data binding system facilitates binding of a data component to a feature of a software component. Prior to the binding, a graphical indication of the software component and a graphical indication of the feature of the software component are displayed. In addition, an indication of an element of the data component is displayed in a display area approximately adjacent to the displayed software component. The data binding system receives a user input command to bind the data component to the feature of the software component. The user input command may include dragging the indication of an element of the data component from the data component display area to the feature of the software component and subsequently dropping it on the feature. As a result, the data binding system automatically generates script or code that provides executable instructions to bind the feature of the software component to the data component.