Data Description Injection for Electronic Form Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic forms based on XML schemas face limitations in adding new form objects without modifying the underlying data schema, restricting flexibility and extension capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for injecting a new node into the data description of an electronic form, allowing the addition of new form objects without altering the underlying data schema, using an injection tool within a forms editor to automatically generate associated data nodes, enabling hierarchical and recursive data description injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the data schema is changed to accommodate a new form object, then the form can include additional form objects, but the data integrity and compatibility with existing XFA processing applications is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the form data structure into two distinct parts: the immutable data schema (which maintains compatibility with existing XFA processing applications) and the mutable data description (which can be extended with additional nodes for new form objects). This segmentation allows the form to be extended without compromising the original data schema integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the injection tool and data description layer) that acts as a mediator between the fixed data schema and the need for form extension. This intermediary allows new form objects to be added to the data description without requiring changes to the underlying data schema, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling extension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the underlying data schema is modified to add new form objects, then new data fields can be included, but the complexity of managing schema changes across multiple forms increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the data schema from the data description, the patent eliminates the need to manage schema changes across multiple forms. The data schema remains fixed and reusable, while extensions are made only in the data description layer, significantly reducing schema management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by providing a mechanism to pre-define extension nodes in the data description that map to the existing data schema structure. This allows forms to be extended without requiring preliminary schema modification, as the extension mechanism is already in place through the data description injection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a new form object is added without changing the data schema, then flexibility is improved, but a mechanism is needed to ensure the new object is properly integrated into the data structure
Solution Approach 1:
The injection tool provides self-service functionality by automatically detecting references to new form objects and injecting the corresponding data description nodes. This automated process eliminates the need for manual data structure integration, reducing complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the injection tool that monitors form object references and automatically responds by injecting appropriate data description nodes. This feedback mechanism ensures proper integration of new form objects into the data structure without requiring manual intervention or complex integration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for injecting a node into a data description of an electronic form are provided. In one embodiment, the system comprises a request detector, an injection tool, a template module, and a storing module. The request detector may be configured to detect a request to include a new form object into an electronic form. The injection tool may be configured to determine that the data schema does not accommodate the new form object, and to automatically modify the data description by adding a node that is associated with the new form object. The template module may be configured to add the new form object into the electronic form to create a modified electronic form. The modified electronic form comprises the modified data description, while the data schema upon which the electronic form was originally based may remain unchanged.