Method for scoped services
View Patent ↗Described is a mechanism for providing scoped modular services (SMS) through an API. A common set of services is provided by the API that may be enabled or disabled by each component. The services are managed using a property system in the same manner as element properties are used, such as properties relating to text formatting. This helps to ensure fine control and a high degree of customization for a user interface. The use of the services is not limited to editing in the common sense of the word. The SMS is a mechanism for controlling access to implementation of services contained within a tree of components. Services may also be created by developers that are managed by a service manager along with the common services.
1. A method for providing scoped modular services to controls, comprising:
providing services in a hierarchical structure of components, wherein the services are reusable program modules configured to provide user interface functionality that is not tied to a particular component; wherein the hierarchical structure of components provides an inheritance model according to the component hierarchy;
registering and accessing the services with an Application Programming Interface (API); and
associating properties with the services that are used in controlling availability, implementation and scope of the services; wherein the services are configured to be individually enabled or disabled for each of the controls and controlling behaviors associated with the services further comprises setting a property associated with the service; wherein the properties associated with the services are inherited according to the component hierarchy.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein providing the services further comprises registering a service to become a registered service.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein registering the services further comprises utilizing a service manager in registering the service.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising retrieving a property associated with the service.
5. The method of claim 2 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises enabling the service by setting the property.
6. The method of claim 2 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises defining the service by setting the property.
7. The method of claim 2 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises setting the property in advance of using the service.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising inheriting the behaviors associated with a service that is specified within the tree.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the properties associated with the service further comprises setting the properties at any level within the hierarchical tree.
10. The method of claim 8 , further comprising providing a default implementation of a service.
11. The method of claim 2 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises setting the property using a markup language.
12. The method of claim 2 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises adjusting a run-time mode and a design-time mode.
13. The method of claim 2 , wherein registering and accessing the services further comprises associating the services within a hierarchical tree.
14. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instruction encoded thereon for providing scoped modular services to controls, comprising:
providing services in a hierarchical structure of components, wherein the services are reusable program modules configured to provide user interface functionality that is not tied to a particular component; wherein the hierarchical structure of components provides an inheritance model according to the component hierarchy;
registering and accessing the services with an Application Programming Interface (API); and
associating properties with the services that are used in controlling availability, implementation and scope of the services; wherein the services are configured to be individually enabled or disabled for each of the controls through the API, and controlling behaviors associated with the services further comprises setting a property associated with the service; wherein the properties associated with the services are inherited according to the component hierarchy.
15. The computer-readable medium of claim 14 , wherein providing the services further comprises providing common services and registered services.
16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein providing the registered services further comprises utilizing a service manager.
17. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , further comprising retrieving a property associated with the service.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 15 , wherein setting the property associated with the service further comprises enabling and disabling the service based on the property.
19. The computer-readable medium of claim 18 , further comprising providing inheritance of the behaviors within a hierarchical tree.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 18 , wherein the properties associated with the service are selectable at least one level within the hierarchical tree.