Task Model-Based Software Appliance Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for designing and creating software appliances are overly complex and require specialized skills in programming and UI design, making it difficult for non-experts to create user interfaces that meet usability standards.

Innovation Solution

The development of systems and methods that allow non-programmers and non-designers to create software applications using user task models, enabling the derivation of UI models independent of UI features and components, and utilizing predefined UI templates to create software appliances that comply with usability standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current development environments are used to create user interfaces, then software applications can be built with professional UI design, but the system complexity and coding requirements make it inaccessible to non-experts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for non-expertsVSAvoidSystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a task model as an intermediary representation layer between the user's high-level task descriptions and the low-level UI implementation details. This task model serves as a mediator that translates intuitive task specifications into executable UI code, eliminating the need for users to directly interact with complex development environments while maintaining professional UI quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical coding process with an automated code generation system. Instead of requiring users to manually write and configure code in development environments, the system automatically generates UI code from task models, substituting the complex mechanical act of programming with a simpler conceptual specification process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If specialized programming and UI design skills are required, then software applications can meet usability standards, but the barrier to entry prevents domain experts from creating applications without coding knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUsability standards complianceVSAvoidCreation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables domain experts to create software applications independently without requiring external assistance from programmers or UI designers. The automated code generation capability allows users to serve their own needs by simply specifying tasks in intuitive terms, eliminating the dependency on specialized skills while maintaining output quality that meets usability standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of application creation from code-based specifications to task-model-based specifications. By transforming the input format from programming code to high-level task descriptions, the system maintains the ability to generate compliant UIs while making the creation process accessible to domain experts without technical backgrounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual UI design and coding is performed, then custom UI solutions can be created, but the time-consuming process reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCustom UI capabilityVSAvoidApplication creation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating UI code and structure based on the task model before the user needs to use or deploy the application. This pre-generation of implementation details from high-level specifications eliminates the time-consuming manual coding process while preserving the ability to create customized UI solutions adapted to specific domain requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7870499B2System for composing software appliances using user task models
Publication Date: 2011.01.11 SAP SE
  • US7870499B2 patent drawing
  • US7870499B2 patent drawing
  • US7870499B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, of composing a software application having a user interface, includes receiving input relating to a plurality of tasks and defining a task model of a process, the plurality of tasks including at least one user task to be performed by a user of the application; automatically identifying a plurality of user interface templates by identifying at least one user interface template associated with at least a subset of the plurality of tasks; and creating a user interface model for an application using the plurality of user interface templates.