Widget Parameter Substitution for Heterogeneous System Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In constrained computing environments like set-top boxes, conventional application template customization approaches are costly and unreliable due to the need for extensive testing to prevent defects caused by misspellings or errors in customized code deployment across heterogeneous systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Statistical Software Testing Methodology (SSTM) to build and test widgets with default parameters, allowing substitution of new parameters that meet constraints, thereby reducing defects and eliminating the need for extensive testing through automated widget instantiation and certification processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional application template customization approaches are used, then widgets can be deployed across heterogeneous systems, but defects occur due to misspellings or errors in customized code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template copying where a standardized widget template is replicated and customized for different systems. Instead of creating custom code for each system, the same proven template is copied and parameterized, eliminating transcription errors and ensuring consistency across heterogeneous deployments while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing customization of widget behavior through configurable parameters rather than modifying the underlying code structure. This enables adaptation to different systems through parameter substitution while the core template remains unchanged and tested, preventing defects from customizations
2Reliability
If extensive testing is performed on every application variation, then reliability is improved, but deployment cost and time increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive testing on the standardized widget template before it is deployed. The template is certified once with default parameters, and this certification is reused for all parameter variations. This upfront testing ensures reliability while enabling rapid deployment of customized widgets without repeating extensive testing for each variation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universality by creating a single certified template that serves multiple functions across different systems and parameter configurations. The same tested and certified template structure is universally applied to all widget instances, allowing rapid deployment across heterogeneous systems while maintaining consistent quality standards through the universal certification process
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods of building a default set of parameters into a software application by defining a widget template having associated parameter schema and then instantiating a widget by substituting a new set of application parameters for the built-in defaults such that the new parameters meet the same constraints defined for the default parameters. Aspects of the invention also include testing the original application containing the default parameters, along with the parameter substitution process itself, using a Statistical Software Testing Methodology (SSTM) to ensure the application meets a pre-determined level of quality.