Declarative Form Field Binding to Multiple Data Repositories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing form-based data storage and retrieval systems require manual scripting to link fields with web services or data connections, making it cumbersome to change forms or switch between different data connections, as customized scripts need to be modified each time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that enable one-to-many mappings from form fields to data repositories using declarative statements, allowing fields to be dynamically bound to multiple data connections for input, output, or both, through a graphical user interface, expressed in XML, facilitating easy configuration and adaptation without the need for scripting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual scripting is used to link form fields to web services or data connections, then customization and control are achieved, but the complexity and time required to modify forms or switch data connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses XML templates to define reusable data connection configurations. Instead of writing custom scripts for each data connection, the system copies and reuses standardized XML templates that specify field mappings and connection parameters. This allows rapid switching between data connections by simply changing the template reference, eliminating the need to modify complex scripting code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between data connections by changing parameters in the XML configuration files. Rather than modifying the structure or logic of custom scripts, users can switch data connections by altering connection identifiers and field mapping parameters in the XML template, making the system highly adaptable without increasing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If custom scripts are created for each form to link fields with data connections, then specific form requirements are met, but the time and effort required to maintain and update scripts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines standardized XML templates that contain common data connection configurations and field mappings. These templates are prepared in advance with standard structures, data types, and connection parameters. When creating a new form or switching data connections, users simply select and instantiate these pre-configured templates, eliminating the need to create configurations from scratch and significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The XML template system serves multiple functions: it defines data connection configurations, specifies field mappings, validates data types, and enables switching between different data repositories. This universal approach replaces multiple specialized scripting tasks with a single flexible configuration mechanism, making form creation and maintenance easier while reducing the time required for modifications.
3Ease of operation
If declarative XML mappings are used to bind form fields to data connections, then flexibility and ease of modification are improved, but the system complexity increases due to XML configuration management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the form fields and data connections: XML templates that act as configuration intermediaries. These templates provide a standardized, declarative syntax that simplifies the configuration process while the underlying system handles the complexity of parsing, validating, and executing the XML mappings. This intermediary approach makes the system easier to operate while managing configuration complexity through standardized structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The XML configuration system is segmented into distinct, manageable components: connection definitions, field mappings, data type specifications, and validation rules. Each component can be independently configured, validated, and reused. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by breaking down the configuration task into smaller, more manageable units that can be handled systematically.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features a method, system, and computer program product. User input defining a form that has one or more fields is received. User input defining a set of entries associated with the form is also received, the set of entries identifying available connections to data repositories and fields of the form that are associated with the connections. Each data repository is connected with the fields associated with the data repository using one or more declarative statements that enable one-to-many mappings from fields in the form to data repositories as defined by the set of entries.