Per-Instance Dynamic Property Extension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software technologies limit dynamic property extension of software objects to a class-wide or object-wide basis, preventing variations in properties between instances of the same type, and often use inappropriate default user interface controls for property display.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism allowing per-instance dynamic property extension through 'property source' objects and user interface components that generate additional properties and enable custom user interface controls for each property, enabling varied property sets and tailored display for each object instance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic properties are extended at the class-wide level, then all objects of a type share the same additional properties, but different instances cannot have different property sets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dynamic property extension mechanism into per-instance property sources that are associated with specific object instances rather than being applied globally to all instances of a class. This allows each instance to have its own customized property set while maintaining the flexibility of dynamic extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different property sources to be associated with different object instances, enabling each instance to have customized properties tailored to its specific needs. The property source mechanism provides localized property definitions rather than uniform class-wide properties.
2Ease of operation
If default user interface controls are used for property display, then the interface is simple and consistent, but the controls may not be appropriate for the specific property type or user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing property sources to specify their own user interface controls rather than relying on default controls. The property source can determine the most appropriate control type (text field, slider, combo box, etc.) based on the property characteristics and user needs, making the interface自适应 without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and article of manufacture provide for displaying per-instance dynamic properties of an object. A reference to an object instance having a dynamic property that is supplied at runtime for the object instance on a per-instance basis and is not stored with the object is received. A reference to a property source instance, that maintains knowledge of the dynamic property, associated with the object, is retrieved. The references are provided to a control that retrieves and displays the dynamic property. Additionally, the object may provide/specify a custom ActiveX control that defines a user interface for displaying and editing one or more properties. The custom control is instantiated and used to display the property in the defined user interface.