Dynamic Form Manager for Remote Web Service Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic forms are limited by static data sources, which are difficult to change and are often implemented in a centralized manner, restricting dynamic data sources and forcing users to manage them locally or remotely, with web forms also being limited to static queries specified at design time.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic form management system that allows forms to retrieve information from a remote web service using a form information query, which can include static and dynamic configuration information, enabling dynamic queries and reducing the burden of form value management by allowing changes to be made centrally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static data sources are used for form values, then the form structure is simple and easy to manage, but the values cannot be changed easily and the system lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static data sources to dynamic data sources that can be queried at runtime. The form generator retrieves form values dynamically from external sources such as databases, web services, or spreadsheets, allowing the data to change without modifying the form structure. This enables the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining simple form design.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary layer (form generator component) is introduced between the form definition and the data source. This intermediary handles the complexity of data retrieval and management, allowing form designers to work with simple definitions while the intermediary manages the dynamic data sources, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and flexibility.
2Speed
If dynamic data sources are implemented in the same device as the form-generating application, then data access is fast, but the number of dynamic data sources is limited and users must manage them locally
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves data sources from a local single-device dimension to a networked multi-device dimension. Forms can now access dynamic data sources located on different devices through the network, including remote databases, web services, and cloud-based spreadsheets. This dimensional shift allows unlimited access to data sources across the network while maintaining efficient data retrieval.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic data sources are implemented in a different device as a web service, then more data sources are available, but the form is limited to static queries specified at design time
Solution Approach 1:
The query mechanism transitions from static to dynamic. Instead of specifying fixed queries at design time, the system generates queries dynamically at runtime based on form field requirements. The form generator can adapt queries to retrieve relevant data from web services, allowing flexible data access without complex pre-configured query specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The form generator automatically generates and executes queries against web services without requiring manual configuration of complex query parameters. The system self-adapts to retrieve the necessary form values by autonomously constructing queries based on the form's data requirements, reducing the complexity of query management.
4Device complexity
If centralized static lists are used for form values, then the form structure is simple, but changing values is difficult and technically infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical system of embedded static lists within the form structure is replaced with an information-based system that queries external data sources. Instead of physically modifying the form structure to change values, the system substitutes the data retrieval mechanism, allowing value changes through data source updates without touching the form definition. This substitution enables easy value modification while maintaining simple form structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to remotely access form information are described. An apparatus may comprise a logic device and an application having a form manager component operative on the logic device to manage one or more forms for a user interface of the application. The form manager component may be arranged to generate a form with form information retrieved from a web service using a form information query. The form information query may comprise a data structure having static form configuration information, dynamic form configuration information, or a combination of static form configuration information and dynamic form configuration information. The dynamic form configuration information may have one or more dynamic form parameters used to retrieve information from the web service. The dynamic form parameters may be dynamically generated during runtime operation of the application. Other embodiments are described and claimed.