Property Painter Tool Bulk Value Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing property editing tools are inefficient and inconsistent in assigning values to multiple properties or form fields across various elements in software development, requiring manual and repetitive configuration, especially in complex applications with numerous interface elements.

Innovation Solution

A property painter tool that allows users to query and assign values to properties or form fields by searching for attributes that support the properties, enabling selection and application of values across multiple elements through different painting modes, such as partial and full support modes, to streamline the configuration process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual property configuration is performed for each interface element, then individual property values can be precisely controlled, but the time and effort required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty value assignment accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a property painter tool that copies property values from one interface element to multiple other elements. The tool allows developers to select a source element, choose the properties to copy, and apply them to multiple target elements simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time required for repetitive property configuration while maintaining consistency across the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The property painter tool serves multiple functions: it can copy properties across different element types, support various painting modes (full, partial, custom), and work with different property categories. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate operations into a single unified tool.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If individual property editing is performed for each element, then precise control over each property is achieved, but the complexity of the configuration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty configuration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple property configuration operations into a single unified interface. Instead of requiring separate editing sessions for each element, the property painter consolidates property selection, value assignment, and application to multiple elements into one workflow, reducing the overall complexity of the configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The property painter acts as an intermediary tool between the developer and the interface elements. It provides a standardized interface for property manipulation that abstracts away the complexity of individual element configurations, allowing developers to work with properties in a consistent manner across different element types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If default property values are set on the design surface, then editing efficiency is improved, but support for multiple property types and elements remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting efficiencyVSAvoidproperty support coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The property painter implements dynamic painting modes that adapt to different configuration needs. The tool can operate in full painting mode (applying to all matching elements), partial painting mode (applying to selected elements), and custom painting mode (applying to specifically chosen elements), allowing the same tool to handle both broad default value assignment and targeted property configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The property painter divides the property configuration process into selectable segments. Users can choose which properties to copy, which elements to apply them to, and which painting mode to use, allowing flexible adaptation to different configuration scenarios while maintaining a unified interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11132374B2Property painter
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 ORACLE INT CORP
  • US11132374B2 patent drawing
  • US11132374B2 patent drawing
  • US11132374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for assigning one or more values to properties or form fields. One technique includes receiving a query for a property associated with an attribute of an element of software, executing a search within a storage device for the property that satisfies the query, displaying the property and attributes that support the property, and receiving a first type of input regarding the property. The first type of input includes a value for the property. The technique further includes receiving a second type of input that includes selection of at least one attribute from the attributes identified to support the property, and assigning the value for the property to the at least one attribute.