Logical Set Operator Platform for Flexible Item Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applications often lack efficient and flexible methods for users to select and perform logical set operations on items, requiring extensive programming changes and re-testing to implement features like 'Select All' or other logical operations.
Innovation Solution
A logical set operator platform that recognizes user selections via a graphical interface, applies user-indicated logical set operations not implemented by the source application, and provides the resulting item set to a receiving application, facilitating efficient and flexible item selection and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If logical set operations are implemented directly into an application at design time, then the application can provide item selection functionality, but the device complexity and programming requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a logical set operator platform as an intermediary layer between the user interface and the source application. This platform receives item set information from the source application, applies logical set operations (such as select all, invert, subset), and provides the resulting item sets back to the user interface without requiring modifications to the source application's code.
Solution Approach 2:
The logical set operator platform is designed as a universal solution that can work with multiple different source applications. Instead of implementing specific logical operations within each application, the platform provides a single multi-functional interface that handles various logical set operations across different applications, eliminating the need for application-specific programming for each operation type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If logical set operations are added to existing applications, then more operation options become available, but the time required for programming changes and re-testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The logical set operator platform is implemented as a preliminary layer that is established before the source application needs to support new logical operations. By pre-implementing the platform with support for multiple logical operations, the system prepares the infrastructure in advance, allowing new operations to be added without requiring changes to existing application code or requiring re-testing of application functionality.
3Reliability
If applications are designed with built-in logical set operations, then the functionality is self-contained, but the ease of modifying operation types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functionality into two distinct parts: the source application that provides item set information and the logical set operator platform that handles operation logic. This segmentation allows the source application to remain simple and self-contained while the platform handles the complexity of various operation types. Modifying operation types only requires changes to the platform, not to the source application, making the system easier to adapt.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a logical set operator platform may recognize that a user has selected, via a graphical user interface, a sub-set of items from an item set associated with a source application. The logical set operator platform may then receive an indication from the user that a selected logical set operation is to be applied to the item set and to the selected sub-set of items, wherein the selected logical set operation is not implemented by the source application. The selected logical set operation may be applied to create a resulting item set based on the selected sub-set of items, and it then may be arranged for an indication of the resulting item set to be provided to a receiving application.