Program Object Property Display Using Segmentation and Preliminary Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for managing program objects, such as Java Beans, lack features that enhance usability, including grouping and ordering of properties, default values, and indications of required or optional properties, making them less user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that obtain properties and property objects for program objects, generating an enhanced user interface with features like grouping, user-friendly property names, default values, and indications of requirements, using a tooling framework that includes an object component, discovery component, interface component, and enhancement component to create a more intuitive interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a generic user interface is generated from basic property introspection, then the interface can be created automatically, but the interface lacks user-friendly features such as grouping, ordering, and default values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments properties into different groups (e.g., connection properties, authentication properties) and organizes them hierarchically. Each property group can be independently configured and displayed, making the interface more manageable and user-friendly while handling complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring property groups, display names, and default values in the deployment descriptor before the user interface is generated. This advance preparation allows the interface to automatically inherit these user-friendly features without requiring complex runtime processing.
2Loss of information
If all properties are displayed in the user interface, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes overwhelming and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
Properties are segmented into logical groups that can be displayed in an organized hierarchy. Users can navigate through groups systematically, and all properties remain accessible while the interface prevents information overload through structured presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional organization to property display by introducing groupings and hierarchical structures. Instead of a flat list, properties are arranged in multiple dimensions (groups, sections, categories), allowing users to navigate through organized subsets while maintaining access to complete information.
3Ease of operation
If custom property names and descriptions are added to enhance usability, then user understanding improves, but the deployment configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment descriptor serves multiple functions: it defines property groups, sets display names, establishes default values, and configures interface attributes all in a single configuration file. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate configuration files and simplifies the overall deployment process despite the enhanced capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for managing a program object that generates an enhanced user interface for displaying properties of the program object is provided. A set of properties for the program object are obtained from the program object and/or deployment data for the program object. A property object that corresponds to the program object is also obtained. The property object defines a set of user interface attributes for the program object. The user interface then is generated based on the set of properties and the property object. As a result, a user interface that includes one or more features that makes it more user-friendly for a user can be generated.