Pattern Module Architecture for Adaptable Application Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for creating and managing applications in visual modeling environments require extensive programming and are inflexible, making it difficult to adapt to changing requirements and maintain applications across multiple client systems.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that generates applications based on selected application patterns, using a model-driven architecture with design time and runtime components linked to form a pattern module, enabling portable and executable applications that can be easily modified and propagated across systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional programming methods are used to create applications, then applications can be created with full functionality, but the complexity of creation and maintenance increases significantly

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments applications into reusable pattern modules that encapsulate specific functionalities. Each pattern module is an independent, self-contained unit that can be individually created, modified, and maintained. This segmentation allows complex applications to be built from simpler, standardized components, reducing overall programming complexity while maintaining full functionality and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables parameter changes by allowing pattern modules to be configured with different parameters and properties without requiring code modification. Users can adjust application behavior by changing parameters within pattern modules, enabling rapid adaptation to new requirements while avoiding the complexity of rewriting entire application segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If visual modeling tools are used to simplify application creation, then code generation is automated, but managing and propagating modifications across multiple client systems becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication creation easeVSAvoidmodification management ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by maintaining a central repository of pattern modules that can be copied and distributed to multiple client systems. When modifications are made to a pattern module in the repository, these changes are automatically propagated to all client systems that use that pattern module. This copying mechanism simplifies both application creation and modification management across distributed systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal pattern modules that serve multiple functions and can be used across different applications and client systems. Each pattern module is designed to be platform-independent and can be instantiated multiple times with different configurations. This universality enables centralized management of modifications while maintaining ease of application creation across diverse environments.

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

3Ease of operation

If a restricted application domain is used in visual modeling, then applications can be created more easily, but the environment becomes less abstract and less adaptable to changing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling easeVSAvoiddomain adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the application domain configurable and extensible. Pattern modules can be dynamically added, removed, or modified based on changing requirements. The visual modeling environment supports both restricted domains for ease of use and expanded domains for adaptability, allowing the system to evolve from a restricted to a more flexible domain as needed without losing the benefits of visual modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8156469B2Single composition of pattern modules
Publication Date: 2012.04.10 SAP SE
  • US8156469B2 patent drawing
  • US8156469B2 patent drawing
  • US8156469B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for generating an application based on a selection of one or more application patterns. A model of an operation of the application is generated. A design time application component to provide content for the model is provided, as well as a runtime application component to execute the operation associated with the model based with the content. The model, design time application component, and runtime application component are linked together to form a pattern module, the pattern module being an executable and portable operation of the application.