Dynamic Function Wizard for Host Application Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Host applications like Microsoft Excel do not provide a comprehensive listing of function signatures from external applications such as MATLAB, limiting users' ability to access and utilize advanced functions and permutations available in these external tools.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic function wizard that generates, filters, and formats function signatures from external applications, allowing users to select and input variables, and integrates these signatures into the host application, enabling dynamic and scalable access to functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the function help feature of host applications provides only functions available from the host application itself, then the simplicity and ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability and versatility are limited because functions from external applications cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The function wizard interface is segmented into multiple tabs or categories, separating host application functions from external application functions. This allows users to access external functions through a structured organization that prevents overwhelming complexity while maintaining ease of navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the function wizard with dynamic function signature generation) that mediates between the host application and external applications. This intermediary automatically manages the complexity of integrating multiple external function sources while presenting a unified, simple interface to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single function signature is provided for each function, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability is reduced because multiple permutations and variations of function calls cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The function wizard dynamically generates and displays multiple function signatures based on user selection and context. Rather than statically listing all possible signatures, the system adapts the displayed signatures based on the external application selected, the specific function chosen, and even the current data context, making the interface flexible rather than rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as the number of arguments, data types, and optional/required status based on the selected external application and function. This allows the same function to be called in multiple ways depending on the specific needs of the external application, providing adaptability without overwhelming the user with all possible variations at once.
3Productivity
If manual typing of external application commands is required, then the precision and control is maintained, but the productivity and ease of operation decrease due to the time-consuming nature of manual entry
Solution Approach 1:
The function wizard performs preliminary actions by automatically generating function signatures, populating argument fields with relevant data, and configuring function parameters before the user finalizes the insertion. This preliminary automation reduces the user's workload to simple review and confirmation steps, dramatically improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically managing the complex tasks of interfacing with external applications, parsing their function signatures, and presenting them in a user-friendly format. The automation system handles the complexity of external application integration without requiring user intervention, allowing users to benefit from automated function insertion while the system manages its own complexity internally.
4Loss of information
If the function help feature provides comprehensive documentation for all functions, then the information completeness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to information overload and difficulty in finding specific functions
Solution Approach 1:
The function wizard provides comprehensive information locally at the point of need - when a user selects a specific external application and function. Rather than displaying all possible information upfront, the system provides detailed function signatures, arguments, and documentation specifically for the selected function, ensuring information completeness without overwhelming the user with irrelevant details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to information organization by structuring function help along multiple axes: external application selection, function category, specific function name, and function signature variations. This multi-dimensional organization allows users to navigate to specific functions efficiently while ensuring comprehensive information is available at each level of the hierarchy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device receives selection of a function category associated with a dynamically-type programming language, receives selection of a function associated with the selected function category, dynamically generates one or more function signatures associated with the selected function, and stores at least a subset of the one or more function signatures in a memory or displays at least a subset of the one or more function signatures to a user.