Diagram-Data Synchronization via Bidirectional Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual creation of diagrams from structured data is time-consuming and prone to errors, and maintaining synchronization between diagrams and structured data when either is changed is difficult and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

Generating diagrams from structured data using two-way mappings between structured data and visual structures, allowing automatic synchronization of modifications between the diagram and the structured data, including validation of modifications based on constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If diagrams are created manually from structured data, then visual representation is achieved, but time consumption and human error increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of diagram creationVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically copies structured data into visual diagram formats using programmed templates and mapping rules, eliminating manual transcription while maintaining accuracy. The diagram is generated as a digital copy of the structured data representation, which can be automatically updated when source data changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of drawing diagrams is replaced with an automated computer-based system that uses software algorithms to generate and update diagrams. The system substitutes human manual operations with automated computational processes that can rapidly transform structured data into visual representations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If diagrams are modified manually after creation, then customization is achieved, but synchronization with structured data is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagram customizationVSAvoiddata synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements bidirectional feedback mechanisms where changes in structured data automatically trigger diagram updates, and diagram modifications are validated against structured data constraints. This feedback loop ensures synchronization is maintained while allowing controlled customization through defined transformation rules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The diagram system transitions from a static manually-edited format to a dynamic automatically-updating format. The diagram becomes a living representation that automatically adapts to changes in structured data while still allowing user-initiated modifications within defined parameters, maintaining both flexibility and synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If structured data changes, then data accuracy is improved, but manual diagram updates become error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accuracyVSAvoiddiagram update accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

When structured data changes, the system automatically copies the updated data into the diagram, ensuring accuracy is preserved. The automated copying process eliminates manual transcription errors and ensures the diagram always reflects the current state of structured data with high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If two-way mappings are implemented, then synchronization is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex two-way mapping system is segmented into manageable components including data transformation modules, validation rules, and update propagation mechanisms. Each segment handles specific aspects of the synchronization process, making the overall complex system more maintainable and understandable through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10657152B2Synchronization of diagrams and associated structured data

Publication Date: 2020.05.19 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for generating a diagram from structured data and synchronizing modifications between the diagram and the structured data. One system includes at least one processor configured to receive a plurality of transformation settings for the structured data and generate and store a plurality of first expressions and a plurality of second expressions based on the structured data and the plurality of transformation settings. The processor is further configured to generate and organize a plurality of visual structures based on the plurality of first expressions and the plurality of second expressions and generate and output a diagram for display through a user interface including the plurality of visual structures. In addition, the processor is configured to receive a modification to the diagram through the user interface, and modify the structured data based on the modification, the plurality of first expressions, and the plurality of second expressions.