Guided Report Interface with Overlay Input Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users require expert knowledge to create and modify complex business reports, as the process involves arranging visual elements and binding them to data, which can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially when customizing existing reports.
Innovation Solution
A guided process within a software application that displays input fields alongside sample images of informational displays, allowing users to modify features through these fields, with the option to use XPATH statements for binding, enabling user-friendly customization and creation of new reports based on selected layouts or templates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex design tool is used to create business reports with visual elements and data binding, then the functionality and flexibility of reports are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because expert knowledge is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a report template as an intermediary between the complex design tool and the end user. The template pre-configures visual elements, data bindings, and layout structures, allowing users to generate customized reports through simple parameter input without needing to understand the underlying complex design mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The report template performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the structure, visual elements, and data bindings before user interaction. Users inherit this pre-configured framework and only need to specify their particular report parameters, eliminating the need to perform complex design tasks from scratch.
2Manufacturing precision
If expert knowledge is required to create reports, then the precision and quality of report design are improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to copy and reuse report templates that have been professionally designed. Users can start from existing templates and modify them for their specific needs, inheriting the high-quality design work already done in the template rather than creating everything from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
High-quality report designs are prepared in advance as templates with proper visual element configuration, data bindings, and formatting. This preliminary action allows users to quickly generate quality reports by simply filling in their specific parameters without performing the complex design work themselves.
3Productivity
If users can copy existing reports, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must identify and locate relevant parameters among many unchanged ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the user-specific parameters from the template for user input, while keeping the template structure and most parameters hidden or pre-configured. This extraction approach presents users with a simplified form containing only the fields they need to modify, rather than exposing all parameters in the complex report structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the report interface have different levels of user interaction. The template structure and most parameters are fixed and non-editable, while only specific user-customizable parameters are presented as editable input fields, allowing users to focus on what they need to change without being overwhelmed by the entire parameter set.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of aiding a user in using features of a software application comprises receiving from a user a selection of layout. The layout is to be used in creating an informational display for displaying results of a data repository query. At least one input field and an image are displayed to the user. The image is of a sample informational display that is based on the selected layout. The at least one input field is displayed in association with at least one feature shown in the displayed sample image. A user input is received via the input field. The user input is to be used in modifying the at least one feature in the new informational display. That least one input field may be displayed on top of the displayed sample image, in close proximity to the shown feature.