Schema-Driven GUI for Nested Device Configuration Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workflows for configuring devices through EMM systems lack flexibility and extensibility, particularly in handling complex or nested configuration options, leading to inefficiencies and the need for extensive reworking when new configuration options are released.
Innovation Solution
A GUI workflow that supports complex bundle arrays by receiving a schema file from an application repository, displaying top-level arrays with nested configuration options, extracting and generating lower-level arrays based on user input, and allowing for copying and updating of configuration settings, enabling streamlined configuration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom SDKs are created to enable configuration through EMM systems, then access to configuration and management features is provided, but time-consuming work is required on the EMM-provider side to adapt the EMM system for each customized aspect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration interface that can handle multiple types of device configurations through a single standardized mechanism. The schema file format and graphical user interface are designed to be vendor- and device-type-agnostic, allowing the EMM system to configure various devices without requiring custom SDK development or system adaptation for each device type or vendor.
2Productivity
If app-config applications standardize configuration actions across different devices, then the configuration process on the EMM-provider side is streamlined, but the interface lacks flexibility to handle complex or nested configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration structure where configuration options are organized into hierarchical levels. The schema file format supports nested objects and arrays that represent parent-child relationships between configuration elements. The graphical user interface displays nested configuration options in an expandable tree structure, allowing administrators to access complex nested configurations while maintaining a clean, standardized interface at the top level.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration interface is designed to be dynamic and adaptive based on the selected device type and vendor. The system automatically loads and displays relevant configuration schemas, and the graphical user interface dynamically generates appropriate controls and layouts based on the schema definition. This allows the interface to handle both simple and complex configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration or rework.
3Ease of operation
If the configuration interface supports complex nested options, then administrators can access granular configuration details, but the interface requires extensive reworking when newer, deeper configuration options are released
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a schema-driven approach where the configuration structure is predefined in schema files that describe the available configuration options, data types, and relationships. These schema files are prepared in advance and stored in the system. When a new device type or configuration option is released, only the schema file needs to be updated, and the system automatically adapts the graphical user interface to support the new options without requiring interface rework.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for an improved GUI workflow that supports complex bundle arrays for configuring devices. The method can also include displaying, on a GUI, a first top-level array of configuration fields described in a schema file having configuration options for a user device. A top-level array can include at least one group of nested (or “lower-level”) configuration options, where the grouping is represented by a graphical element in the top-level array. In response to a selection of a second-level array, the example method can include extracting lower-level configuration information from the schema file, generating a lower-level array based on the extracted information, and displaying, within the first top-level array, the first lower-level array of configuration fields. The method can also include various options for copying stored settings into a new array. The settings can be implemented on a device through a management server.