Runtime User Interface Modification for Cross-Application Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face inefficiencies when switching between multiple applications with different user interfaces, leading to degraded productivity and the need for costly and complex integration solutions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for modifying user interfaces at runtime by establishing a link between a source application and an interpreter, allowing modifications through high-level interpreted program code without altering the source application, suitable for client-server environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple separate applications are used to complete a task, then functional requirements are met, but user productivity deteriorates due to switching between different user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser productivityVSAvoiduser interface switching

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate applications into a single integrated application that provides a unified user interface. This integration allows users to access previously separate functions (customer management, billing, payment processing) through one consistent interface, eliminating the need to switch between applications and improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal application that performs multiple functions previously requiring separate applications. The single application can manage customers, process billing, handle payments, and perform other tasks through a common user interface, making the system multi-functional while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications with different vendors are integrated, then functional requirements are met, but user efficiency deteriorates due to different look and feel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication integrationVSAvoiduser interface consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal user interface design that provides consistent look and feel across all functions previously scattered across different vendor applications. This unified interface maintains adaptability to perform all required tasks while ensuring operational consistency and ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies homogeneity by standardizing the user interface elements, navigation patterns, and visual design across all integrated functions. This creates a uniform experience throughout the application, eliminating the inconsistencies that would arise from integrating multiple vendor applications with different interface styles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

3Productivity

If applications are combined into a single product, then user efficiency improves, but implementation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser efficiencyVSAvoidimplementation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the integrated application into modular functional components (customer management module, billing module, payment processing module, etc.) that can be independently developed, tested, and maintained. This modular architecture reduces implementation complexity while still providing the benefits of a unified application with consistent user interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If a unified application is created, then user efficiency improves, but training requirements increase due to new interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser efficiencyVSAvoidtraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the homogeneity of the unified user interface to reduce training requirements. By providing consistent navigation, controls, and interaction patterns across all functions, the learning curve is minimized. Users trained on one part of the interface can easily transfer that knowledge to other parts, reducing overall training time and resource requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS12481515B2Methods and user interface generation and application modification

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 VERSATA FZ

AI summary

A method of generating a user interface for presentation to a user. The method comprises executing a first application computer program to provide a user interface, executing agent computer program code to interrogate and modify said user interface during execution of said first application computer program, and presenting said modified user interface. The first application computer program may be run on a server, while the modified user interface may be presented to a user at a client connected to said server.