Universal User Interface Control Installation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extending application user-interface functionality do not provide a universal method for installing new or modified controls into any existing application, limiting customization to specific applications or predefined sets.
Innovation Solution
A method that records user procedures and maps them to new or modified controls within existing applications, allowing for the installation of new controls and remapping of existing ones, using a software component that captures user events and communicates with the operating system to create and modify controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing methods are used to extend application functionality, then new controls can be created for specific applications, but the system lacks universality and cannot install controls in any existing application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control installation system that can add new controls to any existing application through a standardized interface. The system uses a generic control installation mechanism that works across different applications without requiring application-specific customization logic, thereby achieving universality while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control installation system that acts as a mediator between the user's customization requests and the target applications. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of controlling various applications, providing a simplified universal interface while managing the underlying application-specific complexities
2Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific techniques are used for each application, then controls can be customized for that application, but the methodology lacks uniformity and requires different techniques for each application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a uniform control specification methodology that works across all applications through a standardized interface. Users specify control procedures using a consistent set of commands and parameters regardless of the target application, eliminating the need to learn different techniques for each application while maintaining full customization capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If controls are pre-configured by developers, then controls can be added to known programs, but the system lacks flexibility for user-specific customization in any application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform their own control customization without requiring developer intervention or complex pre-configuration. Users can directly specify and install custom controls in any application through a simplified interface, allowing user-specific customization while keeping the configuration process simple and accessible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a control installation system that prepares and installs controls in advance based on user specifications. The system handles the complex setup and configuration processes beforehand, allowing users to simply specify their customization needs without dealing with the underlying complexity of control installation
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for altering application user-interface controls are provided. More particularly the customization of a new or existing user-interface control in an application user-interface is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a method for customizing user-interface controls of an existing application comprises the recording of a procedure description performed by a user in the application user-interface. A new or modified application user-interface control relating to the procedure description is then installed in the existing application.