Universal Data Format Conversion via Structured Instance Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of developing special software to convert files between different data formats hinder automated processing, leading to inefficient and low-quality output due to the need for manual data copying and formatting.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that converts data blocks between formats using data structure types and patterns, allowing for flexible and adaptable conversion without requiring specialized software, by reading and analyzing data blocks to generate new blocks with specified formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If special software is developed to convert files between different data formats, then conversion capability is achieved, but development complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal conversion system that can handle multiple data formats through a single platform. The system uses standardized data structure types and format definitions that can be configured to support various input and output formats, eliminating the need to develop separate specialized software for each format pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion process is divided into distinct modular components: format definition modules, data structure type modules, conversion rule modules, and execution modules. Each component handles a specific aspect of the conversion process, making the overall system more manageable and easier to extend to new formats without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual data copying and formatting is performed, then flexibility is maintained, but processing time and quality decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Data structure types and format definitions are predefined and prepared in advance. The system pre-configures conversion rules and templates that can be directly applied during automated processing, eliminating the need for manual formatting decisions during execution while maintaining flexibility through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate standardized data structure representation that sits between the input and output formats. Data is first parsed into this intermediate representation using predefined structure types, then converted to the target format using format definitions. This intermediary layer enables automated processing while maintaining adaptability to different formats.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized software projects are created for different format conversions, then specific conversion needs are met, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single conversion platform is designed to handle multiple data format pairs through configurable format definitions and data structure types. The system can be extended to support new formats by adding format definition files and structure type declarations without creating entirely new software projects, significantly reducing development time for additional format support.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple conversion capabilities are merged into a unified system that shares common infrastructure including parsing routines, validation logic, and output generation mechanisms. The patent combines various format-specific handling code into a single modular framework where format definitions are separated from the core conversion engine, allowing efficient reuse across different format conversions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The computer implemented method involves reading a data block (1), particularly a data structure type (3) and a data format pattern (7), by a processor. The data format is mapped by the data structure type, which defines the fixed data structure elements and variable data structure elements. Each variable data structure element is assigned a data type and a name. A data structure instance (6) with a data structure instance element is generated from the former data block by the processor. The data structure instance is generated through the fixed data structure elements and the data types of the variable data structure elements. An independent claim is included for a computer program product for performing a computer implemented method.