Visual Application Builder for Data-Connected Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for developing data-connected software applications, such as GUI platforms and content management systems, require high programming skills and resources, limiting accessibility for individuals and businesses with ideas for such applications.
Innovation Solution
A system that describes software applications using property/value fields in known data description languages like JSON and XML, stored in a database, and provides a procedure for executing these applications, allowing for the creation of web applications and services with enhanced capabilities beyond platform APIs, facilitating the development of data-connected applications and services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GUI platforms and content management systems are used to develop data-connected applications, then application functionality and control are improved, but programming skill requirements and resource needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual application builder that serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex programming environments. This builder provides a simplified interface with drag-and-drop components, allowing users to create applications without needing to master programming languages or understand complex system architectures. The visual builder translates user-friendly actions into the necessary code and configuration, effectively mediating between ease of use and application functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-built templates and reusable components that can be copied and adapted for different applications. Instead of requiring users to program everything from scratch, the system provides a library of standardized application templates, UI components, and functional blocks that can be instantiated and customized. This copying approach maintains high functionality while dramatically reducing the programming effort and skill level required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If distributed systems are used to create dynamic web applications, then application capabilities are improved, but system complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed system components into a unified visual application builder platform. Instead of requiring users to separately manage servers, databases, and application logic across distributed systems, the patent combines these elements into a single integrated environment where all application components can be configured and deployed through one interface. This consolidation maintains the capabilities of distributed systems while eliminating their complexity for end users.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual application builder is designed as a universal platform that can create multiple types of applications (web applications, mobile applications, desktop applications) from a single interface. The system provides multi-functional components that can serve different purposes across different application types, eliminating the need for separate development tools and complex system configurations for each application category.
3Ease of operation
If templates with parameters are used to modify applications, then ease of modification is improved, but flexibility and customization options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments application parameters into multiple hierarchical levels: common parameters that apply to all applications, template-specific parameters for each application type, and component-level parameters for fine-grained customization. This segmentation allows users to easily modify high-level parameters while still providing access to detailed customization options when needed, effectively resolving the contradiction between ease of modification and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameter system in the patent is dynamic rather than static. Parameters can be added, removed, or modified at runtime based on user needs and application context. The system automatically adapts the available parameters and their validation rules based on the current application state and selected components, providing both simplicity for common modifications and flexibility for advanced customization without requiring users to choose between the two.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for building a software application may comprise a database and a hardware processor. The database may be configured to store a plurality of object definitions, each object definition being configured to cause an executing processor to perform specific processing when executed. The hardware processor may be configured to cause a user interface to be displayed; receive, from the user interface, a selection of a plurality of the object definitions and an input specifying at least one relationship between the plurality of the object definitions; create an application definition based on the selection and the input; and provide an application interpreter configured to enable the executing processor to process the application definition. The software application may include the application definition and the application interpreter.