Widget Host Container for Centralized Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing desktop widgets clutter work environments and lack administrative control, as they require a proprietary widget engine installation and cannot be integrated into applications, allowing personal and non-essential widgets to be downloaded alongside business-useful ones.
Innovation Solution
A widget host container is integrated into the user interface as part of an application, allowing for local hosting of widgets with a parser and library for interpreting configuration files and managing widget display, enabling administrators to customize and restrict access based on security clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary widget engine is installed on the desktop to run desktop widgets, then widgets can be displayed and executed, but the desktop becomes cluttered with personal applications and administrative control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the widget engine functionality from the desktop environment and relocates it to a web server. The widget engine is no longer installed on user desktops but is instead hosted remotely, allowing widgets to be displayed in the user interface without cluttering the desktop. This separation eliminates the harmful effect of desktop clutter while preserving widget functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary between the widget engine and the user interface. The web server hosts the widget engine and manages widget execution, acting as a mediator that allows widgets to be displayed in the user interface without requiring direct installation on the desktop. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling widget functionality while preventing desktop clutter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a proprietary widget engine is installed on the desktop to run desktop widgets, then widgets can be displayed and executed, but integration into applications and user interfaces is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the widget engine from the desktop environment and relocates it to a web server. This extraction eliminates the requirement for desktop installation while preserving widget functionality. The widget engine becomes a remote service rather than a local application, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the widget engine accessible through multiple platforms and interfaces by hosting it on a web server. The same widget engine can serve multiple users and applications simultaneously, providing universal access without requiring separate installations. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by enabling broad adaptability while reducing installation complexity.
3Ease of operation
If users can download any widgets they choose, then personal customization is enabled, but administrative control and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic widget management system where the set of available widgets can change based on user roles, security clearances, and administrative policies. The system adapts to different user contexts, providing appropriate customization options while maintaining control. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling personalized widgets for authorized users while preventing access to non-essential widgets that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements administrative control mechanisms that provide feedback and oversight over widget usage. Administrators can monitor which widgets are downloaded and used, and can adjust permissions and available widgets based on organizational policies. This feedback loop enables the system to balance user customization needs with productivity requirements by allowing appropriate personalization while blocking widgets that would harm business efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A widget host container serves as a component that may be added via a rapid application development tool, such as Oracle International Corporation's Application Development Framework. The rapid application development tool may be used to install the widget host container, for example, in a region of a user interaction environment, such as an application or a suite of user interactive applications, created by the rapid application development tool. If desired, one or more selection devices, such as a drop down menu, may be provided to select particular widgets for use and display. Features may be provided for organizing both personal and enterprise widgets. Security settings control access to web widgets, and an option to allow or restrict access to web widget display options in the container.