Widget Preview Dashboard Layer for Secure Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical user interfaces become cluttered and difficult to navigate due to the large number of overlapping and customizable user interface elements, leading to information overload and potential security risks from malicious widgets.
Innovation Solution
A user-activated dashboard layer with a designated installation area for widgets, allowing secure and managed installation, including a preview environment to ensure widgets function correctly and do not pose security risks, by controlling resource access and limiting rogue behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to display and position multiple user interface elements freely on the screen, then the flexibility and customization of the interface is improved, but the display screen becomes cluttered and navigation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display environment into distinct segments: a dashboard layer for widget installation and a presentation layer for actual widget display. This segmentation allows widgets to be managed in an organized installation area while preventing clutter in the user's workspace, thus maintaining interface flexibility without compromising navigation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary installation area (dashboard layer) that acts as a mediator between widget sources and the user's display environment. This intermediary provides a controlled space for widget preview and installation, preventing direct cluttering of the user interface while maintaining access to diverse widgets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of widgets are made available to users, then the functionality and utility of the interface is improved, but the virtual desktop becomes cluttered and disorganized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the widget management process into distinct phases: preview in the dashboard layer, then installation in the presentation layer. This segmentation allows users to access a large number of widgets without immediately cluttering their desktop, as widgets are first evaluated in a controlled dashboard environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by requiring widgets to be previewed and evaluated in the dashboard layer before being installed in the presentation layer. This preliminary step allows users to assess widget functionality and appearance without permanently adding them to their desktop, thus preventing clutter while maintaining access to diverse functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If widgets are allowed to access system resources freely, then the functionality and interactivity of widgets is improved, but security risks from malicious widgets increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the dashboard layer as an intermediary environment that mediates between widget resource requests and the host system. This intermediary provides a controlled context for widget execution, allowing functionality assessment while limiting access to critical system resources, thus reducing security risks from malicious widgets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment in the dashboard layer where widgets can be previewed with limited resource access. This controlled environment isolates widgets from critical system resources during the preview phase, preventing malicious widgets from causing harm while still allowing functional evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided including a method for displaying a user interface element in a display environment. The method includes receiving a selection of a user interface element to be displayed in a display environment, and selectively displaying the user interface element in a preview environment prior to installing the user interface element and prior to displaying the interface element in the display environment. Preview includes instantiating the user interface element in a preview environment including displaying the user interface element in a presentation window along with a preview designator and supporting interaction of the user interface element with a user; and selectively installing the user interface element in the display environment.