Servicing User Interface Shell for Ten-Foot UI Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Developing customized ten-foot user interfaces (UIs) for computing devices is challenging due to the need for compatibility with various software and hardware products, which is resource-intensive and uncertain in terms of market reception, especially for independent software vendors trying to create alternative UI shells that are interoperable with multiple systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a first user-interface shell (UIS) services a second UIS, acting as a client to facilitate interaction with computing devices, allowing for a customized UI to be presented to users while the servicing UIS handles the necessary compatibility and communication with applications and hardware, reducing the burden on developers by using an Application Program Interface (API) to coordinate tasks and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a software vendor develops a customized ten-foot UI shell to provide unique functionality and branding, then the UI can be differentiated and customized, but the vendor must bear the burden of ensuring compatibility with various software and hardware products, which is resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two distinct components: a servicing UI shell that handles compatibility and communication tasks, and a presented UI shell that provides customized functionality. This segmentation allows the presented UI to be customized without bearing the burden of ensuring compatibility, as that responsibility is separated to the servicing UI shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing UI shell acts as an intermediary between the presented UI shell and the underlying system components (software and hardware). It receives requests from the presented UI, coordinates task completion, and returns control, thereby mediating compatibility issues and allowing the presented UI to focus on customization without worrying about interoperability.
2Ease of manufacture
If only a single ten-foot UI is provided to simplify compatibility, then independent software vendors need to program their applications to interact with only a single UI, but this leaves little room for alternative UI shells and customization
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing UI shell provides universal functionality by handling all compatibility and communication tasks with various software and hardware products. This universal servicing layer enables multiple presented UI shells with different functionalities and branding to coexist, as they all rely on the same servicing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The presented UI shell is nested within the servicing UI shell framework. The presented UI can be customized and presented to users, while the servicing UI shell provides the underlying compatibility layer. This nested structure allows multiple layers of customization while maintaining a single point of interaction with the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an alternative UIS is independently developed to provide customized functionality, then branding and specific features can be implemented, but the endeavor is resource-intensive and associated with high uncertainty regarding market reception and compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The servicing UI shell provides self-service capabilities by automatically handling compatibility and communication tasks. Presented UI shells can leverage this self-service infrastructure without needing to independently develop compatibility layers, thereby improving development efficiency and reducing resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The servicing UI shell performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing compatibility protocols and communication channels with various software and hardware products. This preliminary work eliminates the need for each presented UI to repeatedly perform compatibility testing and adaptation, thereby improving development productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A set of embodied Application Program Interface(s) (112) are provided for facilitating a method of presenting a presented user-interface shell (UIS) (114) that cooperates with a servicing user-interface shell (UIS) (116). The method includes receiving data indicative of one or more tasks to be completed, coordinating the completion of said one or more tasks, and returning control to said presented UIS (114).