End User Device Configuration via Dynamic XML UI Definitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The configuration of end user devices, such as thin clients and personal computers, is time-consuming and inflexible due to the need for manual code updates and customization of user interfaces to change configuration pages.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses layout and parameter description files to define configuration pages remotely, allowing application developers to specify layout, dependencies, and parameter values without updating code, using a device configurator to build configuration visualizations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If configuration pages are defined in code, then the configuration can be implemented, but changing configuration pages requires code writing, compilation, and deployment which is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of configuration changesVSAvoidtime for code updates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the configuration system into separate components: layout description files, parameter description files, and the administration application. This allows configuration changes to be made by updating individual XML files rather than modifying and recompiling the entire codebase, thereby improving flexibility while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces layout description files and parameter description files as intermediaries between the configuration requirements and the administration application. These XML files serve as a bridge that allows configuration changes to be made without direct code modification, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual code updates are required for configuration changes, then the configuration can be customized, but the process becomes inflexible and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of configuration managementVSAvoidcomplexity of configuration process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The administration application automatically reads layout description files and parameter description files to generate and update configuration pages. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual code updates and customization, making configuration management easier while reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables configuration changes by modifying parameters in XML description files rather than changing the underlying code structure. This approach simplifies configuration management by allowing administrators to adjust parameters without dealing with complex code, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If configuration pages require code compilation and deployment, then the configuration can be implemented, but the process is inflexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of configuration updatesVSAvoidease of configuration implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses XML description files as templates or copies that define the structure and parameters of configuration pages. Instead of modifying the actual application code, administrators create or update these description file copies, which are then read by the administration application to generate the necessary configuration interfaces. This eliminates the need for code compilation and deployment while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The layout description files and parameter description files are prepared in advance in XML format, defining all configuration parameters and layouts before runtime. This preliminary preparation allows the administration application to dynamically generate configuration pages without requiring code compilation or deployment, thereby improving both flexibility and ease of implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250328357A1Configuration of End User Devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 IGEL TECH

AI summary

A layout description file and a parameter description file are received. The layout description file specifies a configuration page for configuring settings of an application installed on an end user device, and includes parameter page elements. Each parameter page element is used for rendering a user interface (UI) element for that page element, and each parameter page element includes include a parameter identifier that references a set of one or more configuration parameters in the parameter description file. A configuration visualization is dynamically built using the layout description file and the parameter description file, and rendered. Through the configuration visualization, at least one change to a configuration setting for the application is received.