Virtual Canvas Interface for IT Design Plan Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defining a design plan in an IT environment is complex due to the need to link disparate objects with nested functionalities and configurations, requiring multiple tools and various file manipulations, especially when representing topologies, workflows, and architectures.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a virtual canvas interface to select and position nodes representing plan objects, automatically linking them based on connection compatibilities, with user-defined paths and parameter modifications, to create a plan artifact that can be electronically processed to instantiate the design plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and various file manipulations are used to link disparate objects with nested functionalities and configurations, then the ability to represent complex topologies, workflows, and architectures is improved, but the process complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate tools and file manipulation processes into a single integrated design plan creation tool. The system combines object selection, link definition, nested configuration management, and artifact generation in one unified interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple tools and reducing process complexity while maintaining the ability to represent complex IT environments
Solution Approach 2:
The design plan creation tool is designed as a universal platform that can handle various types of objects (infrastructure, platform, application, service components) and multiple representation formats (topologies, workflows, architectures) through a single interface. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including drag-and-drop object placement, automatic link creation, nested configuration management, and export to multiple artifact formats, replacing the need for multiple specialized tools
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools and various file manipulations are used to link disparate objects, then comprehensive design plan creation is achieved, but the time required for the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining object templates with inherent connection compatibilities and pre-configuring nested functionalities. When users drag and drop objects onto the canvas, the system has already prepared the underlying data structures, validation rules, and connection options, allowing for rapid assembly of design plans without requiring manual configuration of each component from scratch
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple time-consuming operations (object creation, link definition, configuration management, artifact generation) into a single streamlined workflow. The integrated system performs these operations simultaneously or in automated sequence, eliminating the sequential time delays associated with using multiple separate tools and file manipulation steps
3Ease of operation
If a unified interface is used to select and position nodes representing plan objects, then ease of operation is improved, but the system must handle complex compatibility checking and link definition automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling users to simply drag and drop objects onto the canvas without needing to manually configure connections or validate compatibilities. The system automatically performs compatibility checking between selected objects, defines appropriate links based on predefined rules, and configures nested functionalities, allowing users to focus on high-level design decisions while the system handles the complex automated tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The unified interface provides real-time feedback to users during the design plan creation process. The system continuously monitors object placements and link definitions, providing visual feedback on compatibility status, automatically adjusting configurations when conflicts are detected, and guiding users through the creation process with contextual hints and validations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring automated complexity management
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are the creating of a plan artifact. A location, with respect to a virtual canvas, of each of a plurality of user interactions is identified. A plurality of noes are caused to be displayed on the virtual canvas wherein each node is displayed at a position corresponding to a location of one of the plurality of user interactions. Links between selected pairs of the displayed nodes are identified based on at least one of a user defined virtual canvas path and relative proximities between the displayed nodes. A connection is caused to be displayed between each pair of nodes identified as linked. A plan artifact defined at least in part by the displayed nodes and identified links is created.