Dynamic Form Query Generation Without Pre-Configured Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require substantial effort and expense to set up and maintain forms management systems for searching through forms, and they often necessitate pre-configuration, making it impractical to search for specific forms without a database system.
Innovation Solution
A system generates queries on-the-fly to search for matching forms using a form template with a schema that specifies field names and data types, allowing users to specify search criteria through a user interface, and runs these queries against a set of forms without the need for a pre-configured forms management system, even if the forms have different structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a forms management system is used to search for specific forms, then the ability to locate forms is improved, but the effort and expense required to set up and maintain the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight, portable storage devices (USB drives, SD cards) instead of complex centralized forms management systems. Each device can independently store and search forms locally, eliminating the need for expensive server infrastructure and centralized maintenance while providing immediate form search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential form storage and search functionality from complex centralized systems and implements it in simple, standalone portable devices. This extraction removes the need for expensive maintenance infrastructure while preserving the core ability to store and search forms.
2Productivity
If a database system is used to store and search forms, then the searching capability is improved, but the cost of procuring, setting up and maintaining the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive database systems with simple file-based storage on portable devices. Forms are stored as individual files that can be searched using basic file system operations, eliminating the need for costly database software, servers, and specialized maintenance while maintaining effective form search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies forms as files onto portable storage devices, creating simple replicable units that can be searched without complex database infrastructure. This file-based copying approach replaces expensive database systems while preserving form storage and retrieval functionality.
3Ease of operation
If existing forms management systems are used, then form searching is enabled, but pre-configuration is required which reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic form templates that can be created and modified on-the-fly without pre-configuration. Users can define form structures and search criteria during runtime, allowing the system to adapt to different form types and search needs immediately rather than requiring advance setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables users to create and configure their own form templates and search parameters without requiring system administrator pre-configuration. The system provides self-service capabilities where users can independently define form structures and perform searches, eliminating the rigidity of pre-configured systems.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates queries to search for matching forms in a set of forms, without requiring a pre-configured forms management system. During operation, the system obtains a form template, wherein the form template includes a form schema which specifies field names and data types for fields in form instances associated with the form template. Next, the system allows a user to specify search criteria for one or more fields defined by the form schema. Then the system generates a query based on search criteria entered by the user, and runs the query against the set of forms to identify matching forms. Finally, the system generates a list of the matching forms.