Dynamic Configuration Controls for Generic Program Parameterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in simplifying the parameterization of complex programs, making it difficult for users with varying skill sets to efficiently configure and execute these programs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a dynamic interface for configuring generic programs using configuration controls that provide both interface elements and operational logic, allowing for the creation of a user-friendly template that maps user inputs to program parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a generic program is parameterized by a user interface that allows users to specify parameter values, then the program becomes easier to operate for users with varying skill sets, but the device complexity increases due to the need for configuration controls and mapping logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces configuration controls as intermediary components that mediate between the user interface and the generic program parameters. These controls include interface elements for user input and operational logic that processes the input, mapping user-friendly inputs to the appropriate program parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies the user's task while managing the underlying complexity systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration system is segmented into distinct configuration controls, each responsible for specific parameters or groups of parameters. Each control is defined separately with its own interface elements and operational logic, allowing the complex configuration task to be broken down into manageable, independent units that can be developed and maintained separately.
2Extent of automation
If configuration controls include both interface elements and operational logic, then the configuration process becomes more automated and efficient, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the control behavior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interface elements and operational logic into unified configuration controls. Each control encapsulates both the user-facing interface and the underlying processing logic that maps inputs to program parameters. This combination automates the configuration process by handling the mapping and validation automatically, while the unified structure makes the controls easier to verify as complete units.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational logic within configuration controls provides feedback mechanisms that validate user inputs and ensure proper mapping to program parameters. This feedback allows the system to verify control behavior automatically, detecting errors in input or mapping logic without requiring complex external verification processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users provide inputs at different times to configure the program, then the configuration process becomes more flexible and adaptable, but the loss of time increases due to sequential configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration controls that can adapt their behavior based on the configuration state and user inputs. The operational logic within each control can dynamically determine which parameters need configuration and in what order, allowing the configuration process to be flexible and responsive to different user needs while managing the sequence of operations efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration controls are designed to perform preliminary actions such as validating inputs and pre-processing data before passing them to the generic program. This preliminary processing within each control reduces the overall configuration time by preparing data incrementally as users provide inputs, rather than requiring all inputs to be collected and processed simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to some aspects, a method of operating a data processing system is provided wherein at least one computer program is configured, the data processing system comprising a recorded configuration template and at least a first control and a second control, the method comprising rendering, according to the configuration template, a first user interface based on a user interface portion of the first control, receiving first user input through the first user interface, the first user input providing configuration information for the at least one program, identifying the second control based at least in part on the configuration template and on an operational portion of the first control, rendering a second user interface based on a user interface portion of the identified second control, and receiving second user input through the second user interface, the second user input providing configuration information for the at least one program.