Data Conversion Control Using Linked Multi-Format Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of data formats requires a large number of dedicated data conversion engines, making it difficult to flexibly cope with the increase in data conversion processes, as each pair of input and output formats necessitates a separate engine, leading to a cumbersome and resource-intensive approach.
Innovation Solution
A system where a plurality of converting units execute data conversions and a control unit coordinates these units to convert data between formats, utilizing a cloud-based architecture that allows for the linking of existing conversion engines to perform desired conversions, reducing the need for multiple dedicated engines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated data conversion engines are prepared for each pair of input and output data formats, then data conversion accuracy is improved, but the number of conversion engines required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data conversion engine that can handle multiple data format conversions through a standardized interface. Instead of having separate dedicated engines for each format pair (e.g., PDF-to-Word, Word-to-Excel), a single engine processes all conversions by accepting source format identification and target format specification as parameters, thereby reducing the number of engines from N×M pairs to a single multi-functional unit while maintaining conversion accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion engine uses parameter-based configuration to adapt to different data format pairs. By changing parameters such as source format type, target format type, and conversion settings, the same engine can perform different conversion tasks. This parameter-driven approach allows the engine to maintain high conversion accuracy for various format pairs without requiring separate dedicated engines for each combination
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data format options increases, then system versatility is improved, but the number of data conversion engines that need to be prepared increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal conversion engine architecture that scales with data format options without linearly increasing the number of engines. The engine identifies supported formats through configuration files or metadata and dynamically adjusts its conversion process, allowing the system to accommodate new data formats by adding format definitions rather than deploying new engine instances
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system implements dynamic format registration and capability detection. When new data formats are introduced, the system automatically detects them through configuration updates or metadata analysis and integrates them into the conversion pipeline without requiring manual engine deployment. This dynamic adaptation maintains system versatility while preventing unnecessary increases in engine complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated data conversion engines are prepared, then conversion capability is improved, but maintenance ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple conversion capabilities into a single universal engine, the system reduces maintenance burden. Bug fixes, security updates, and performance optimizations need to be applied only once to the universal engine rather than being propagated across numerous dedicated engines. The engine maintains full conversion capability while simplifying the maintenance workflow through centralized management
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus may include a plurality of converting units respectively configured to execute a predetermined data conversion from one data format to another data format, and a control unit. The control unit may coordinate the converting units based on a conversion request to convert electronic data in a first data format into electronic data in a second data format, in order to make the converting units execute a data conversion from the first data format to the second data format.