Dynamic User-Interface Generation for Software Component Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating new or modified software components into existing systems is difficult, time-consuming, and costly due to the need for code modification, recompilation, and redeployment, as well as project-specific configuration and deployment requirements that are often unknown at the time of initial deployment.
Innovation Solution
A schema-based approach using Subsystem Definition Language (SDL) files to define configuration data for software components, allowing for the generation of user interfaces to collect required configuration information from users, which is then applied to integrate the components into the system, abstracting complexity and providing a standardized mechanism for deployment and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If code modification and recompilation are performed to integrate new software components, then the system can accommodate new functionality, but the integration process becomes difficult, time-consuming, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration process into distinct, manageable components represented by SDL files. Each software component has its own configuration file that can be independently modified, parsed, and applied without affecting other components. This segmentation allows new components to be integrated by simply adding or modifying their specific configuration files rather than modifying core system code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration layer (SDL files and schema) between the software components and the system integration process. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator that translates component requirements into system-compatible configurations automatically, eliminating the need for direct code modification and manual integration steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If code modification and recompilation are performed to integrate new software components, then the system can accommodate new functionality, but the integration cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service configuration mechanism where the system automatically parses SDL files, validates them against schemas, generates appropriate configuration code, and applies settings without requiring manual intervention. This automation eliminates expensive manual coding and testing processes, making component integration economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables integration through parameter changes in configuration files rather than code changes. By modifying parameters in SDL files (such as component identifiers, version numbers, and configuration values), new components can be integrated without altering the underlying system codebase, significantly reducing integration costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If project-specific configuration requirements are handled through custom code development, then the configuration can be tailored to specific needs, but the complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration framework using SDL files and XML schemas that can handle multiple types of software components and configuration scenarios through a single standardized mechanism. This universal approach supports various project-specific requirements without requiring separate custom code development for each case, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual code writing and compilation with an automated information processing system. The system automatically parses configuration files, validates them against schemas, generates necessary code artifacts, and applies configurations, substituting manual mechanical processes with automated computational processes that are less error-prone and more efficient.
4Loss of information
If configuration information is collected through manual processes, then the required data can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration data collection with automated parsing of SDL files using XML parsers and schema validation. The system automatically extracts configuration information from structured configuration files, validates it against predefined schemas, and processes it without human intervention, eliminating manual errors and significantly reducing data collection time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for configuring software components are provided. A number of elements comprising configuration data are defined. For a software component that is to be configured, a file containing a subset of the elements defining the software component, the properties that must be administered to configure the software component, and the run-time parameters for the software component is created. The file is parsed by a management service. The management service uses the data contained in the file to generate the content of a user interface for collecting configuration data from a user. Collected configuration data is validated and persisted to the data model to complete the integration of the software component into the larger system.