Hierarchical Multi-Document Editor for ABAP Switch Framework

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Editing and managing multiple documents with hierarchical relationships and dependencies can be confusing, especially when these documents are from different sources and require integration within software development frameworks like ABAP, where understanding the relationships and states of enhancement code fragments is crucial for proper integration and dynamic configuration of business applications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-document editor system that displays multiple documents in a logical hierarchy using a tree control, allowing separate editing and management of each document with features like anchor points for attaching and nesting sources, and supporting the ABAP switch framework for dynamic enhancement and deactivation of code fragments, enabling software developers to view and manage switchable code segments from various document sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple documents are displayed separately without hierarchical organization, then each document can be managed independently, but it becomes confusing to understand the relationships and dependencies between documents

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDocument management independenceVSAvoidDocument relationship understanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a tree control structure where documents are nested in a hierarchical manner, with parent documents containing child documents that represent enhancements or code fragments. This nesting visually represents the hierarchical relationships and dependencies between documents while maintaining separate editing capabilities for each document through unique document IDs and state management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If enhancement code fragments are integrated into standard code structure, then dynamic configuration is enabled, but it becomes difficult to track and manage the separate states of enhancement documents

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDynamic configuration capabilityVSAvoidDocument state management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the code structure by introducing enhancement points and enhancement sections as distinct, identifiable units within the standard code. Each enhancement document is assigned a unique ID and maintained in separate state, allowing the system to track and manage enhancement states independently while enabling dynamic configuration through the switch framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If multiple documents with hierarchical relationships are displayed in a flat structure, then display simplicity is maintained, but the logical hierarchy and dependencies between documents are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDisplay structure simplicityVSAvoidHierarchical relationship information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a flat document display structure to a hierarchical tree control structure that adds a dimensional aspect to document organization. The tree control visually represents parent-child relationships and nesting levels, preserving hierarchical information while maintaining manageable complexity through structured presentation of enhancement points and sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS9286270B2Simultaneously displaying multiple related documents in a logically hierarchical manner
Publication Date: 2016.03.15 SAP SE
  • US9286270B2 patent drawing
  • US9286270B2 patent drawing
  • US9286270B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In some example embodiments, a computerized method includes receiving multiple documents from at least one machine-readable media. The multiple documents have a hierarchical relationship relative to each other. The multiple documents include a first document, wherein a second document of the multiple documents comprises an enhancement to first document. The enhancement is at least one of a replacement of part of the first document or an addition to the first document. The computerized method includes displaying the multiple documents on a display screen such that the multiple documents are arranged according to the hierarchical relationship.