User Proxy Server Context-Aware Interface Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current application server architectures are inflexible and burdensome, as they entangle user interface control with server administration, leading to one-size-fits-all solutions that fail to accommodate diverse user needs and device variability, resulting in inefficient and inflexible user interactions.
Innovation Solution
A User Proxy Server facilitates interactions between applications and users by receiving requests for user interactions, processing them based on context information, and presenting a Task-oriented interface that allows users to invoke Web services operations, enabling asynchronous and device-specific interactions without requiring custom user interfaces or interface management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application server architecture is used to deliver applications, then applications can be accessed from multiple devices, but user interface control is entangled with server administration, resulting in inflexible and one-size-fits-all solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the system into three distinct layers: the presentation layer (user interface) is separated from the application server layer, which in turn is separated from the data layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently managed and optimized. The user interface can be customized for different devices without affecting server administration, resolving the entanglement problem described in the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the presentation layer acting as a mediator) between the user and the application server. This intermediary handles device-specific interface adaptations and translates them into standardized server requests, allowing the server to remain simple while supporting multiple devices with different interface requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized integrated solutions are created for every evolving user need, then user-specific requirements are met, but server administrators are too heavily burdened to provide such solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to self-configure their own interfaces and interactions with applications through the presentation layer. Users can customize their experience without requiring administrator intervention, as the presentation layer provides tools for users to adapt the interface to their needs. This shifts the burden from administrators to users, resolving the contradiction between customization and administrative burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration capabilities where users can set up their preferred interfaces and interaction modes in advance. The system pre-provides templates and configuration options that users can select and customize without requiring complex administrator-assisted setup, enabling user-specific customization while keeping administration simple.
3Ease of operation
If a lowest-common-denominator solution is provided for all users, then administrative burden is reduced, but the solution becomes increasingly inadequate as the network of users, devices, and services grows
Solution Approach 1:
The presentation layer is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the interface to automatically adjust to different devices, users, and contexts. The system can dynamically generate and modify interface elements based on user preferences, device capabilities, and application requirements, enabling the solution to grow and adapt without increasing administrative complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal presentation layer that serves multiple functions: it adapts to different devices, supports various user preferences, and interfaces with diverse applications through standardized protocols. This multi-functional component maintains administrative simplicity while providing adequate solutions for growing networks of users, devices, and services.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual navigation through resources is required at runtime, then general-purpose resources are exposed, but users must manually extract desired data and carry information from step to step
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary organization and preparation of data and resources in the presentation layer before user interaction. Data is pre-processed, pre-formatted, and pre-positioned according to user preferences and application requirements, eliminating the need for manual navigation and extraction during runtime. Users can directly access prepared results without time-consuming manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates interacting with a user through a user proxy server. During operation, the system receives a request to interact with the user, wherein the request is received at a user proxy server, which services requests for interactions with users. This request specifies data or data types involved in the user interaction, as well as the purpose of the user interaction, but does not specify details of how the user interaction takes place. In response to this request, the system interacts with the user in a manner which is consistent with context information associated with the user.