Dynamic Electronic Form List Population via Network Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic form creation tools limit users to pre-defined components and generic dropdown lists, restricting the ability to create customized forms with dynamic and user-defined list components, as they rely on predefined data elements and do not allow direct integration of up-to-date data from external sources like the Internet.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that enable users to create electronic forms by determining search terms, querying networks for relevant data, parsing and storing data tables, and allowing users to select and edit these tables for inclusion in forms, using automated tools that interact with Internet data sources to populate list components with user-defined elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional form creation tools use pre-defined components and generic dropdown lists, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically retrieves and populates dropdown list components with data from external network sources based on user-defined search terms, transforming static pre-defined components into dynamic, customizable data sources that adapt to user needs while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary data retrieval layer between the form creation interface and the dropdown list components, allowing users to define search terms that fetch relevant data from network sources, thereby enabling customization without requiring direct programming knowledge
2Device complexity
If conventional form tools rely on predefined data elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to external data sources is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service form creation by automatically retrieving and populating dropdown list data from network sources using user-defined search terms, eliminating the need for manual data entry or complex programming while integrating external data sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides universal form creation capabilities that work with multiple external data sources by using a standardized interface for defining search terms and retrieving data, allowing the same tool to adapt to various data sources without increasing complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If generic dropdown lists are used without external data integration, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the relevance and up-to-date nature of form data is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data retrieval by automatically fetching up-to-date information from network sources based on user-defined search terms before populating the dropdown list components, ensuring data currency is established in advance while maintaining simple form generation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses user-defined search terms as feedback to dynamically retrieve relevant data from network sources, creating a feedback loop where user input directly influences the data retrieved, ensuring both simplicity and data relevance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed that create an electronic form based on table data provided by Internet searching operations. One example may include determining at least one search term, querying, via a server, information provided by at least one network based on the search term, and copying at least one data table resulting from the information discovered during the querying operation. Additional operations may include parsing the at least one data table and storing the information in the server, displaying the data table to an end user so that the end user may select whether the data table should be included in the electronic form, and providing the user with the option to select and edit the contents of the data table. Upon the user's approval the data table may be copied into the electronic form.