Visual Form Designer for Web Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current form-based application development tools require programming knowledge and are not user-friendly for creating complex applications without traditional programming languages, limiting non-technical users' ability to design and deploy web applications efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The Microgen Aptitude V3.00 method allows developers to create form-based applications using a graphical interface, enabling the selection and arrangement of form and service icons, defining navigation, and compiling applications without requiring programming languages, with features like declarative role-based security and deployment to various web technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional programming languages are used for form-based application development, then application functionality and complexity can be achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as programming knowledge is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual form designer interface as an intermediary between the user and the application code. This interface allows users to drag and drop form controls, configure properties through property sheets, and design applications using visual notation instead of programming languages. The intermediary translates visual designs into executable code, enabling non-programmers to create complex applications while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of typing and coding with a visual manipulation system. Users interact with forms and controls through graphical user interface elements such as drag-and-drop operations, property sheets, and visual designers. This substitution eliminates the need for programming language syntax while preserving application development capabilities through visual metaphors and intuitive interactions.
2Ease of operation
If a graphical interface is used to simplify application creation, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to handle complex applications may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal visual form designer that can handle multiple application types and complexities through a single interface. The property sheets and visual designers provide multi-functional capabilities to configure various form controls, data bindings, and application logic without requiring different tools for different complexity levels. This universal approach maintains both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments complex application development into manageable visual components such as individual form controls, property configurations, and modular design elements. Each component can be independently configured through property sheets and then assembled into complex applications. This segmentation allows users to tackle complexity incrementally while maintaining ease of operation through consistent visual interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If visual form designers are implemented to eliminate programming requirements, then ease of operation improves, but the precision and control may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the visual form designer automatically generates precise code, handles data bindings, and manages application logic based on user configurations. The system performs complex tasks automatically while users focus on high-level design decisions through property sheets and visual interfaces. This self-service approach maintains precision without requiring users to manually code detailed implementations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the visual designer that provide real-time validation, configuration options, and design assistance. Property sheets offer structured feedback on valid configurations, and the system guides users through design decisions with contextual information. This feedback ensures design precision by preventing errors and guiding users toward correct configurations without requiring programming knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of creating a form-based web application using a computing device having at least a processor, a memory, a display device and an input device. The method includes retrieving from the memory and providing on the display device a number of form icons, each form icon representing a form to be displayed to a user of the application. The method further includes retrieving from said memory and providing on the display device a number of service icons, each service icon representing a service which may be called in response to actions of the user. The method further includes allowing a developer of the application to use the input device to select one or more of the form icons and one or more of the service icons and to arrange the selected icons on the display device. The method also includes allowing the developer to use the input device to arrange links between the selected icons, wherein the links together with the selected icons form an Application Diagram which represents the navigation of a user of the application between the forms and services represented by the selected form and service icons respectively. The method further includes compiling, at the processor, the application on the basis of the Application Diagram.