Modular Application Building Blocks for Map-Based Customization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Business applications are typically developed in a generic manner, making it difficult and costly for users to modify or enhance specific aspects, often requiring expensive consultants or software specialists.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that uses application building blocks or parts, defined in a configuration file, to enhance map-based applications by incorporating external and internal data sources, allowing for intuitive customization and integration of additional functionality without requiring new data sources or developer intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If business applications are built in a generic manner to serve a wide range of users, then the application can be used by many different businesses, but individualized customization becomes difficult and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication customizationVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the business application into modular building blocks that can be independently selected and configured. Users can pick and choose specific functional modules to assemble customized applications without modifying the entire system, thereby enabling individualization while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities that allow users to modify application behavior and structure at runtime without requiring system shutdown or complex development interventions. This dynamic adaptability enables customization while keeping the modification process simple and user-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If users want to modify or enhance specific aspects of their business application, then individualized solutions can be achieved, but expensive consultants and software specialists are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication enhancementVSAvoidcustomization ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent empowers end-users to perform application customization and enhancement themselves through intuitive configuration interfaces and modular building blocks. Users can independently assemble and configure application modules without requiring external consultant intervention, making the system self-sufficient for customization needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides pre-configured application building blocks and templates that have already been prepared with common functionality. Users can leverage these pre-built modules and simply configure them for their specific needs, eliminating the need for complex development work and reducing reliance on software specialists.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If generic business applications are used, then development and maintenance costs are lower, but specific business needs cannot be adequately addressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication deploymentVSAvoidbusiness-specific functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal platform with modular building blocks that can serve multiple business functions and industries. The same core platform can be configured to address diverse business-specific needs through different module combinations, achieving both cost efficiency and functional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables local customization of specific application modules while maintaining the integrity of the overall system. Users can tailor individual modules to meet specific business requirements without redesigning the entire application, thereby achieving business-specific functionality with minimal additional cost and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9946535B2Application building blocks for on demand and on premise usage
Publication Date: 2018.04.17 SAP SE
  • US9946535B2 patent drawing
  • US9946535B2 patent drawing
  • US9946535B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for enhancing visual applications. A computer-implemented method includes: identifying a map-based application for enhancement, identifying a configuration file defining one or more application parts for enhancing the map-based application, the one or more application parts associated with a second application, and incorporating the one or more application parts from the identified configuration file into the map-based application. In some instances, incorporating the one or more application parts into the map-based application includes identifying a symbol associated with each of the one or more application parts, accessing data from the second application associated with each of the one or more application parts, and inserting an instance of the symbol for each application part based on the accessed data from the second application.