Modal Controller API for Nested Window Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current browser applications' modal window implementations are limited, failing to support nested and multiple levels of windows, and do not consider position, size, or layout definitions, making them inadequate for complex enterprise applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a modal controller with an API for generating and managing unlimited modal and modeless elements, using Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) support to maintain parent-child relationships and allow for dynamic resizing and stacking of modal windows, with a protocol for efficient communication between the browser and servers to manage complex workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current browser modal window implementations are used, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot support nested and multiple levels of windows needed for complex enterprise applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the modal window management into distinct components: a modal controller separate from the browser application, individual modal window instances with unique identifiers, and a hierarchical structure where each modal can contain nested modals. This segmentation allows complex multi-level window structures to be managed through standardized, reusable components rather than monolithic browser modal functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested modal windows where a parent modal can contain and manage child modals, which can themselves contain further nested modals. Each modal window maintains references to its parent and children, creating a hierarchical tree structure that mirrors the nested doll principle. This enables elaborate enterprise workflows to be represented through multiple levels of nested dialog boxes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If current browser modal functions are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but they do not support position, size, or layout definitions required by enterprise applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes modal windows dynamic by allowing their position, size, and layout to be configured and modified at runtime. Each modal window instance can have its dimensions adjusted based on content requirements, and their positions can be managed within the parent container. This dynamic configurability enables enterprise applications to adapt window layouts to different workflow requirements rather than being constrained to fixed browser modal behaviors.
3Productivity
If unlimited modal windows are supported, then the enterprise application can handle complex workflows, but the browser application resources may be overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a modal controller as an intermediary layer between the browser application and the modal windows. This controller manages the creation, destruction, and state of modal windows, acting as a buffer that prevents direct resource consumption from overwhelming the browser. The controller can implement resource management strategies such as limiting the total number of concurrent modals, recycling window resources, or prioritizing critical windows, thereby protecting browser stability while enabling complex workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for managing an interface of an enterprise application to support unlimited modal and modeless elements thereof. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention can include an Application Program Interface (API) for invoking and interacting with a set of modal and/or modeless functions and which can be browser independent. Such an API can be implemented, for example, in JavaScript or other language supported by the browser. Generally speaking, this script or application can provide features such as normally associated with the browser's modal support but without relying on that support and without many of the constraints and other limitations normally imposed or encountered with the browser's modal support.