Dynamic GUI Layout Generation from Resource Data Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional REST-based client-server applications require redesign of GUI screens whenever resource data organization changes, which is cumbersome and costly, especially in fields like storage management where new products and features are frequently introduced.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically generating GUI elements based on the structure of resource data responses, allowing for flexible and dynamic display formatting without pre-designed components, by parsing resource responses and determining the appropriate display format for single or array data objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GUI screens are pre-designed with fixed organization based on known resource data structure, then display organization is consistent and predictable, but GUI redesign is required whenever resource data organization changes, increasing development cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the GUI layout adaptive and flexible rather than fixed. The system automatically adjusts the organization of GUI screens based on the actual resource data structure received from the server. This is achieved through automated layout algorithms that analyze data attributes and dynamically generate appropriate display formats, allowing the interface to adapt when data structures change without requiring manual redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the GUI generation process to be automated rather than manually designed. The automated layout system analyzes resource data structures and independently generates appropriate GUI screens without human intervention. This self-organizing capability allows the interface to automatically adapt to new or changed data structures, eliminating the need for developers to manually redesign screens when data changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automated layout generation is implemented, then adaptability to data structure changes improves, but complexity of the display generation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex layout generation task into distinct modular components. The system separates concerns into: (1) data parsing and attribute extraction, (2) layout algorithm selection based on data type, (3) automated GUI element generation, and (4) rendering. This modular architecture manages complexity by organizing the automated layout system into independent, reusable modules that can be developed and maintained separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by using data-driven parameters to control layout generation. Instead of hard-coded layout templates, the system uses parameters extracted from the resource data structure (such as data types, attribute relationships, and hierarchical organization) to automatically determine the appropriate GUI layout. This parameter-based approach manages complexity by allowing the same generation engine to handle diverse data structures through parameter variation rather than requiring separate handling logic for each case.
Data Source
AI summary
A method provides automatic layout of GUI screens based on contents of a response to a resource request. A display format is selected based on whether a resource in the response includes only a single data object (form display format) or an array of data objects (table display format). A specification is then created for a display object of the selected display format to be rendered on a GUI screen. For the form display format, the specification includes label:value pairs and location information specifying locations for the pairs in form columns. For the table display format, the specification includes a table definition (number of columns, column headings etc.) and row data values for the data objects of the array. Values are arranged in a display order of the resource fields in the response.