Software Extension Interface Specification for Multi-Layered Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to specifying and enforcing extension interfaces in software applications are inadequate, particularly for complex, multi-layered systems, as they lack support for differentiating extension interfaces for various stakeholders, managing inter-layer dependencies, and explicitly defining extension possibilities and access rights, leading to increased complexity and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating base and extendable objects with defined insertion points, enabling the addition of new functionalities, and specifying extension interfaces across multiple layers, including control constraints for access and visibility, to support multiple extension interfaces and interdependencies, allowing for explicit definition and enforcement of extension possibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-size-fits-all extension interface is provided, then the implementation is simple, but it cannot support different extension interfaces for different stakeholders or groups
Solution Approach 1:
The extension interface is segmented into multiple distinct interfaces, each tailored to specific stakeholder groups (e.g., UI developers, business process developers, database developers). Each interface defines specific extension capabilities for its target audience, allowing differentiated access and functionality without requiring all stakeholders to navigate the entire complex interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically provides different extension interfaces based on the stakeholder's role and permissions. The interface adapts its structure and available extension points according to the user's context, enabling simple interfaces for some groups while providing comprehensive interfaces for others, thus balancing simplicity and versatility.
2Ease of operation
If extension possibilities are expressed only on the technical code layer, then the implementation is straightforward, but it does not support the multi-layered nature of software applications and makes it difficult to assess extension feasibility without diving into implementation details
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of abstraction by expressing extension possibilities not just at the code level but across multiple architectural layers (UI layer, business process layer, data layer). This layered view allows stakeholders to assess extension feasibility at the appropriate level without needing to dive into implementation code, while still maintaining the connection to underlying technical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediate abstraction layers that mediate between high-level business requirements and low-level code implementations. These intermediate layers provide a simplified view of extension possibilities, allowing stakeholders to evaluate and specify extensions without directly interacting with complex code structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual code implementation of extension interfaces is used, then the flexibility is high, but the technical realization becomes coupled with functional code, increasing application complexity and making maintenance difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The extension interface definition is extracted from the functional code into a separate, declarative specification format. This allows the extension interface to be defined independently of the implementation code, enabling flexible specification of extension possibilities while keeping the actual code structure separate and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension interface is preliminarily defined in a declarative format before implementation. This preliminary specification establishes the extension contract independently, allowing the actual code implementation to be generated or written separately without coupling the interface definition with functional code, thus reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
4Reliability
If extension interfaces are not explicitly defined, then the implementation is simpler, but the software provider cannot explicitly control access rights and extension possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
Access rights and extension possibilities are preliminarily defined in the extension interface specification before the extension is implemented. This preliminary definition establishes clear rules about what extensions are allowed and what access is granted, enabling explicit control over security and functionality while providing a structured framework that manages complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The method includes generating at least one base object, and generating at least one extendable object associated with the base object, the extendable object defining an insertion point and is configured to enable addition of new functionalities to an application including the at least one base object.