User Interface Configuration via Intermediary Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
End users of computer applications lack the ability to configure the display and properties of data retrieved from a database without access to and modification of underlying code, limiting customization and security.
Innovation Solution
An object configuration module that retrieves a view object from a database, allows users to customize configuration information via a graphical user interface, and applies these settings to attribute properties, enabling users to personalize the layout and display of objects like tables without modifying the underlying code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If end users want to customize the display and properties of data, then customization capability is improved, but access to and modification of underlying code is required which increases system complexity and security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration file as an intermediary layer between the user interface and the underlying code. This configuration file stores display properties and data formats, allowing users to customize the application behavior without directly modifying the source code. The application reads these configuration files at runtime to adjust its display and data handling, thus providing customization capability while maintaining system integrity and reducing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If end users want to customize the display and properties of data, then user control is improved, but access to underlying code is required which compromises security
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration file serves as a secure intermediary that separates user customization needs from the application's core codebase. Users can modify display properties and data formats through the configuration file without needing access to or understanding of the underlying source code. This approach grants users full control over customization while maintaining security by preventing direct modification of critical system components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If application developer hard-codes display properties and data formats, then application stability is improved, but user customization capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application into two distinct parts: the core application code that remains stable and unchanged, and the configuration file that contains customizable display properties and data formats. This segmentation allows the application structure to remain stable while enabling users to customize behavior by modifying only the configuration file, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An object configuration module for configuring an object retrieves a view object associated with a user from a database. The view object may comprise a plurality of attributes. The object configuration module may further retrieve configuration information for the view object from the database. The configuration information may comprise properties of the attributes, and the properties may be customized by the user for the view object. The object configuration module may then set the properties for each of the attributes based on the retrieved configuration information.