Web Interface Anchor Customization via Dynamic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current web applications have limited capabilities for users to customize the layout and design of web pages, which can hinder productivity for task workers who require tailored interfaces, as existing solutions mainly allow for stylesheet customization and hard-coded layout configurations.
Innovation Solution
A computing system that includes a server and client devices with embedded browsers, allowing users to customize anchor points on web pages through anchor definition and customization layers, enabling features like hiding, resizing, repositioning, and grouping of components without requiring redesign of the web application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web applications use static layout design by software vendors, then the application structure is stable and easy to maintain, but users cannot customize the interface to match their specific workflows and needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the web application interface into discrete anchor points that can be independently customized. Each anchor point represents a customizable component or region of the interface, allowing users to modify individual elements without affecting the entire application structure. This segmentation enables granular customization while maintaining the stability of the underlying application framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the static web application and the user interface. This intermediary consists of anchor definition layers and anchor customization layers that act as mediators, translating user customization requests into modifications of the rendered interface without altering the underlying application code. This intermediary layer resolves the contradiction by enabling customization while preserving the static nature of the application itself.
2Ease of operation
If web applications allow extensive layout customization, then user productivity and satisfaction improve, but the implementation becomes difficult with hard-coded capabilities and limited customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform interface customization themselves through intuitive interactions with anchor points. Users can directly manipulate anchor points to reposition, resize, or remove interface elements according to their preferences. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex configuration processes or programmer intervention, making customization accessible to end users while the system automatically handles the implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static web application interface into a dynamic one by introducing anchor points that can be modified at runtime. The interface evolves from a fixed vendor-designed layout to a flexible user-adaptable layout through the addition of dynamic anchor customization capabilities. This allows the interface to adapt to user needs without requiring re-design or re-coding of the application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the web application layout is changed to accommodate user preferences, then user experience improves, but the underlying web application structure must be re-designed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy layer of the web application interface through anchor definition layers and anchor customization layers. These layers replicate the visual and functional aspects of the original application while allowing independent modification. Users customize the copied interface representation without affecting the underlying application structure, enabling layout changes without redesign efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the web application architecture by introducing anchor customization layers that exist above the base application layer. This dimensional addition allows interface customization to occur in a separate namespace, preventing modifications from propagating to the underlying application structure. The customization operates in this additional dimension without requiring changes to the original application design.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system includes a server and a client computing device. The server includes a web application, and anchor definition layers associated with the web application. The client computing device is operated by an end user and includes a display, and a native application that includes an embedded browser for accessing the web application in a customization mode. The customization mode permits display of one of the web pages along with anchors that can be customized based on what is permitted by the anchor definition layer corresponding to the displayed web page, and customization of the anchors on the displayed web page by the end user to define an anchor customization layer for the displayed web page. In normal use of the web application, the anchor customization layer is applied to the corresponding web page before the corresponding web page is displayed so as to display a customized web page without re-designing the web page itself.