XML-based control and customization of application programs
First Claim
1. A computer implemented tool, comprising:
- an executable application program stored on a memory and to be executed by a processor,a first XML document containing;
parameter definitions that configure the application program'"'"'s operation,instruction references identifying parameter definitions of the first XML document that are eligible to be modified by a user of the computer implemented tool, distinguishing the parameter definitions of the first XML document that are eligible to be modified from parameter definitions that are protected from alteration, and specifying in what ways the modifiable parameters may be altered;
a history dataset to store previous replacements,if patterns in the history dataset are detected, developing a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, anda plurality of input modules, each having input interfaces adapted to solicit input data of a respective type, wherein at least one instruction reference within the first XML document addresses a corresponding input module.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Operation of a computer system is governed by an executable application and settings set forth in an XML document to which the application refers during execution. When an application is published for installation, it includes the application and a base XML document. Portions of the base XML document are marked as editable during installation. During installation, an installation manager review the base XML document, identifies editable portions therein and reads installation settings data therefor. The installation manager may generate a modified XML document representing the settings of the base XML document and any modified settings obtained for installation. Modified settings data may be obtained from an operator, from a computer system on which installation occurs or from a dataset representing settings data obtained in prior installations.
32 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A computer implemented tool, comprising:
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an executable application program stored on a memory and to be executed by a processor, a first XML document containing; parameter definitions that configure the application program'"'"'s operation, instruction references identifying parameter definitions of the first XML document that are eligible to be modified by a user of the computer implemented tool, distinguishing the parameter definitions of the first XML document that are eligible to be modified from parameter definitions that are protected from alteration, and specifying in what ways the modifiable parameters may be altered; a history dataset to store previous replacements, if patterns in the history dataset are detected, developing a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, and a plurality of input modules, each having input interfaces adapted to solicit input data of a respective type, wherein at least one instruction reference within the first XML document addresses a corresponding input module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 11)
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3. An installation method for a computer application, comprising:
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installing a core application program on a client computer system, reading a source XML document which contains parameter definitions that are to be used by the core application program to control runtime behavior of the application program, identifying portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that are alterable during installation, protecting portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that should not be altered, for the identified portions, reading parameter selections representing installation preferences for the alterable parameter definitions, developing a history dataset to store previous replacements, detecting patterns in the history dataset, if patterns in the history dataset are detected, developing a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, confirming the rule set with a system operator, comparing the identified portions to the rule set, wherein, upon a match with the rule set, the reading of parameter selections comprises reading the parameter selections from the rule set, upon detecting repeated information entered by an operator, suggesting a default parameter value, and storing on the client computer system an installed XML document representing parameter definitions from the source XML document and installation preferences that override the alterable parameter definitions. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A development method for a computer application, comprising:
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developing a core application program, reading a source XML document which contains parameter definitions that are to be used by the core application program to control runtime behavior of the application program, identifying portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that are alterable during installation, marking the source XML document so that the identified portions can be distinguished from the remainder of the source XML document, developing a history dataset to store previous replacements, detecting patterns in the history dataset, if patterns in the history dataset are detected, develop a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, and storing with the core application program a marked XML document representing the source XML document updated with the markings, wherein the identifying of portions comprises querying an operator and receiving operator input in response thereto, wherein the identifying of portions further comprises reading a reference file which contains a list of at least one portion that are alterable during installation, and wherein the marking of the source XML document comprises adding tag or attribute references which identify the alterable and unalterable portions.
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9. A non-transitory computer readable medium having program instructions stored thereon that, when executed, causes a computer system to:
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install a core application program on a client computer system, read a source XML document which contains parameter definitions that are to be used by the core application program to control runtime behavior of the application program, identify portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that are alterable during installation, protect portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that should not be altered, for the identified portions, read parameter selections representing installation preferences for the alterable parameter definitions, develop a history dataset to store previous replacements, detect patterns in the history dataset, if patterns in the history dataset are detected, develop a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, confirm the rule set with a system operator, compare the identified portions to the rule set, upon detecting repeated information entered by an operator, suggesting a default parameter value, wherein, upon a match with the rule set, the reading of parameter selections comprises reading the parameter selections from the rule set, and store on the client computer system an installed XML document representing parameter definitions from the source XML document and installation preferences that override the alterable parameter definitions.
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10. A non-transitory computer readable medium having program instructions stored thereon that, when executed, causes a computer system to:
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read a source XML document which contains parameter definitions that are to be used by a core application program to control runtime behavior of the application program, identify portions of the source XML document which contain parameter definitions that are alterable during installation, mark the source XML document so that the identified portions can be distinguished from the remainder of the source XML document, develop a history dataset to store previous replacements, detect patterns in the history dataset, if patterns in the history dataset are detected, develop a rule set that governs future instances of installation, based on previous portions replaced by parameter selections in prior installations, and store a marked XML document representing the source XML document updated with the markings, wherein the identifying of portions comprises querying user and receiving user input in response thereto.
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Specification