Multi-layer PDU Editor with Hierarchical Tree View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PDU Builders require users to switch between multiple windows to construct and edit multi-layer data packets, limiting scalability, protocol layering sequences, and display size, with limited support for optional fields and standard protocols.
Innovation Solution
A scrollable, dynamic system and method that allows users to interactively construct and modify multi-layer PDUs in a single view, displaying protocol layers in a tree structure and encoding in hexadecimal notation, with dynamic node expansion, automatic recalculation of derived fields, and support for arbitrarily complex and large PDUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If each protocol layer is displayed in a separate window, then the user can view and edit each protocol layer, but the user must switch between multiple windows and cannot see the entire PDU at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol layer displays into a single integrated window using a tree-structured hierarchical view. All protocol layers (Ethernet, IP, TCP, etc.) are displayed together in one window rather than requiring separate windows for each layer, allowing users to see the complete PDU structure at once while maintaining the ability to expand and edit individual layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested tree structure where protocol layers are organized hierarchically with parent-child relationships. Each protocol layer can be expanded to reveal its fields and nested sub-fields, or collapsed to show only the hierarchy. This nesting approach allows the complete multi-layer PDU to fit within a single window while preserving detailed editability of each layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more protocol layers are added to support complex PDUs, then the system can handle more protocols, but the GUI becomes increasingly complex with more windows
Solution Approach 1:
The tree-structured hierarchical view naturally handles arbitrary numbers of nested protocol layers. Each layer can contain sub-layers and fields that can be further expanded, creating a nested structure that scales to support any number of protocol layers without requiring additional windows. The nested organization keeps the GUI structure consistent regardless of the number of layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic expandability where users can expand or collapse individual protocol layers and their fields on demand. This dynamic behavior allows the GUI to adapt to the complexity of the PDU being edited, showing only the necessary level of detail at any given time. The tree structure dynamically adjusts its display based on user interaction, maintaining usability even with many protocol layers.
3Area of stationary object
If protocol fields are displayed in limited window space, then the GUI remains simple, but not all fields can be displayed and the display size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional horizontal/vertical window layout into a hierarchical tree structure that utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively. Protocol layers and their fields are arranged in a hierarchical tree structure that can be expanded and collapsed, allowing the display to accommodate an arbitrary number of fields and layers within the same window area by collapsing unnecessary detail rather than requiring additional screen space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optional fields are supported indirectly, then the system maintains simplicity, but optional fields are not properly supported
Solution Approach 1:
The tree-structured hierarchical view provides dynamic control over optional field display. Users can expand protocol layers to reveal optional fields when needed, or collapse them when not needed. The system dynamically adjusts the display based on which fields are optional versus mandatory, and users can interactively expand to see and edit optional fields without the system becoming more complex. This dynamic approach provides full optional field support while maintaining a clean default view.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical system and method for creating and editing packets of data is disclosed, which displays on a first pane of a computer window a hierarchical order of all of the protocol layers and protocol fields of a data packets, and displays on a second pane of the same window the entire encoded data packet in standard hexadecimal notation. In the first pane, a user can select a field of data pertaining to any of the protocol layers from the hierarchical order, and change any of the protocol field values, change options within a protocol, or add additional protocol layers to the packet, and the portion of the encoded data pertaining to the changed data will be updated in the second pane.