Language-Independent GUI Parser Automates Interface Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) is hindered by the need for extensive coordination between users and developers, leading to time-consuming and costly processes due to manual translation of user requirements into implementation language code, lack of standardization, and frequent prototype iterations, which can result in errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that enables the creation of GUI components using an implementation language-independent description, automating the translation of user requirements into implementation language-dependent code through a parser and template processor, allowing users to describe GUIs intuitively without worrying about implementation language details, and facilitating the generation of prototypes quickly and accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual translation of user requirements into implementation language code is used, then users can provide detailed requirements, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a parser and template processor that automatically translates user requirements into implementation language code. This intermediary eliminates manual translation errors while reducing development time by automating the conversion process from high-level user specifications to executable code.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing users to describe GUI components in their own language without needing to understand implementation details. The automatic translation mechanism serves itself by converting user-friendly descriptions directly into coded specifications, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the translation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If developers create multiple prototypes to obtain user feedback, then user requirements can be accurately captured, but the development process becomes expensive and time-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverequirements accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically generating accurate implementation code from user requirements in advance, before multiple prototype iterations are needed. The parser and template processor pre-translate requirements into executable specifications, reducing the need for repeated prototyping and feedback cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates accurate copies of the final implementation directly from user requirements through automatic translation. Instead of creating multiple prototype copies manually, the parser generates precise implementation-language copies that closely match the intended functionality, reducing iteration needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If user requirements are manually translated into implementation language code, then specific features can be implemented, but standardization is lost and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature implementationVSAvoidstandardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the translation process from manual to automated, changing the key parameter of translation method. This parameter change ensures consistent application of translation rules, maintaining standardization while preserving the ability to implement diverse features through the systematic parser and template processor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If users need to understand implementation language details to create GUIs, then precise control over components is achieved, but user independence is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent control precisionVSAvoiduser independence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the GUI development process into two distinct layers: a user-friendly description layer and an implementation language layer. Users operate at the high-level description layer without needing to understand implementation details, while the parser and template processor handle the translation to the implementation layer, maintaining both precision and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic translation system acts as an intermediary that shields users from implementation language complexity. Users provide high-level requirements, and the intermediary automatically converts them into precise implementation code, maintaining component control precision while preserving user independence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2530583B1Computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for displaying a user interface component
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LTD
  • EP2530583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2530583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2530583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method, a computer system and a computer program product are for displaying a user interface component according to an implementation language independent description of the user interface component are provided. The method may comprise selecting, based on a characteristic of the implementation language independent description, a description parser. The method may further comprise receiving the implementation language independent description, and determining an implementation language for displaying the user interface component. Also, the method may comprise parsing, by the description parser, the implementation language independent description by identifying an implementation language independent type, and determining an implementation language dependent type of the user interface component based on the implementation language independent type and the implementation language. Moreover, the method may comprise identifying a presentation rule corresponding to the implementation language dependent type, and selecting, according to the implementation language, a set of instructions for processing the parsed description. In addition, the method may comprise processing the parsed description according to the set of instructions in order to create an implementation language dependent specification of the user interface component, wherein the processing comprises including an association of the implementation language dependent type with the presentation rule in the implementation language dependent specification, and displaying the user interface component by means of the implementation language dependent specification.