Dynamic Document Schema for Interoperable Shipment Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shipping industry faces challenges in tracking shipment items due to the lack of interoperability between electronic data management systems, which are often constrained by static EDI standards that require continuous network connectivity and inflexible data exchange formats, limiting the ability to adapt to new business paradigms and introduce specific provisions in electronic documents.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that enables client devices to create and exchange electronic documents using dynamic document schemas, allowing for peer-to-peer data exchange without continuous network connectivity, and facilitating the use of different schemas for various entities involved in the shipping process, including the ability to add new constraints and modify existing digital artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static EDI standards are used for data exchange, then interoperability between systems is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to new business paradigms are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static EDI standards to dynamic XML schemas. The system allows schema definitions to be modified and updated without requiring changes to the underlying data exchange infrastructure. Entities can adapt their document structures dynamically by defining custom XML schemas that evolve with business requirements, while maintaining interoperability through the common XML framework and transformation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing flexible modification of data exchange parameters through XML schema definitions. Instead of being constrained by fixed EDI field structures, entities can change data formats, add new fields, modify validation rules, and adjust document structures by updating XML schemas. This enables adaptation to new business paradigms while maintaining system interoperability through the consistent XML-based exchange mechanism.
2Speed
If continuous network connectivity is required for data exchange, then real-time tracking is enabled, but system reliability in disconnected environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling entities to define and store their document schemas and data structures in advance using XML definitions. These schemas are cached locally and can be used for data exchange without continuous network connectivity. The system prepares transformation rules and validation schemas beforehand, allowing entities to create and exchange documents offline, then synchronize when connectivity is available.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entities use different data formats and schemas, then entity-specific requirements are met, but interoperability and data exchange difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary approach by using XML as a universal mediation format between entities with different data requirements. Each entity can define its specific data structures using custom XML schemas, while the XML framework serves as a common intermediary that enables transformation and exchange. The system includes schema transformation capabilities that act as mediators, converting between different entity-specific XML formats while maintaining interoperability through the standardized XML exchange protocol.
Data Source
AI summary
Technical solutions are described for transportation of a shipment container. An example method includes receiving, by a first client device, a document schema from a document schema server, the document schema corresponding to a second client device. The method further includes creating, by the first client device, an electronic document according to the document schema, the electronic document created for transmission to the second client device. The creating includes generating, by the first client device, the electronic document including data-fields as specified by the document schema, and filling the data-fields of the electronic document as specified by the document schema. The computer-implemented method also includes transmitting, by the first client device, the electronic document for receipt by the second client device.