Multi-Input Web Forms in Code Editors via WebView

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Solution Overview

Problem

Code editors like Visual Studio Code have limited extension APIs that only support single visual input fields, forcing developers to present multiple queries as a serial list, leading to a slow and primitive user experience when multiple inputs are required.

Innovation Solution

Importing a WebView library into the code editor's API to generate customizable multi-input forms that can display multiple fields, allowing bi-directional communication and validation, while maintaining the native look and feel of the code editor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the extension API uses single visual input fields, then the API structure remains simple, but multiple queries must be presented as a serial list resulting in slow and primitive user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidAPI structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a WebView as an intermediary component between the extension API and the user interface. This WebView library acts as a mediator that translates simple API calls into complex multi-input form presentations, allowing the API to remain simple while providing enhanced user experience through browser-based content with multiple input fields, validation, and simultaneous presentation of queries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the user interface into multiple independent input fields within the WebView, allowing each input to be handled separately while presenting them simultaneously to the user. This segmentation enables complex form handling while maintaining a simple API structure, as each field can be independently configured without affecting the overall API design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple queries are presented as a serial list, then the implementation is straightforward, but the user experience becomes slow and primitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidinput time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a sequential (one-dimensional) presentation of queries to a simultaneous (multi-dimensional) presentation using WebView's browser-based content. This allows multiple input fields to be displayed at once in a structured form, significantly improving data collection efficiency and reducing the time users spend providing input by eliminating the need to answer questions one after another

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If browser-based content is used within the code editor, then multi-input forms can be displayed simultaneously, but the integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform configuration capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal WebView library that can be integrated into the code editor's extension API, providing multi-functional capabilities including multi-input form display, validation, and bi-directional communication. This single integration point enables versatile form configuration without requiring multiple separate integration mechanisms, thus managing complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If the form content is customized, then the native look and feel is maintained, but the implementation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenative look and feelVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes within the WebView library to customize form appearance and behavior while maintaining the native look and feel of the code editor. By adjusting parameters such as styling, layout, and interaction modes through the WebView API, the forms can be customized without requiring complex implementation, as the WebView handles the rendering and integration complexity internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11687323B2Configurable multi-input web forms for code editors

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 RED HAT INC

AI summary

Various techniques and systems are described herein for providing a multi-input form using a code editor. In various examples, an application programming interface (API) of the code editor used to generate software extensions may be identified. A library may be imported into the API. The library may be configured to implement WebView content within the code editor. One or more commands may be generated using at least one object defined in the library. The one or more commands may define a plurality of input fields to be displayed in the WebView content to a user invoking the API. In various examples, an invocation of the API may be received and the WebView content comprising the plurality of input fields may be displayed.