Form Converter for Field Detection in Workflow Forms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic file formats, such as PDFs, lack the ability to differentiate between form fields and standalone text, requiring manual conversion to dynamic digital forms, which is time-consuming and incompatible with digital workflows without coding expertise.

Innovation Solution

A form converter that automatically converts static electronic file formats into dynamic digital forms, distinguishing between form fields, form-field labels, and standalone text blocks, enabling customization and integration into digital workflows without coding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual conversion from electronic file format to digital form is performed, then customization capability is achieved, but time consumption and resource usage increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic conversion of electronic file formats to digital forms without requiring manual intervention. The converter autonomously processes the source document, identifies form fields, and generates the digital form structure, eliminating the need for manual typing and field creation while maintaining customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading, typing, and creating fields with an automated computer-based conversion system. The system uses software algorithms to automatically extract and transform content from the source electronic file into a digital form format, substituting human labor with computational processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electronic file format is used for information exchange, then reliability is maintained, but compatibility with digital workflows is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange reliabilityVSAvoidworkflow compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The digital form acts as an intermediary between the static electronic file format and dynamic digital workflows. The converter transforms the reliable but static electronic file into a digital form that maintains data integrity while adding workflow compatibility, allowing workflows to interact with and process the form data automatically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms the static electronic file format into a dynamic digital form that can interact with workflows. The digital form enables real-time data extraction, validation, and processing by workflow systems, allowing the document to adapt and respond to automated processes while maintaining the reliability of the original information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If static electronic file format is used, then data integrity is preserved, but automation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata integrityVSAvoidautomation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The converter system replaces manual automation attempts with intelligent software that automatically recognizes form field structures, extracts data, and generates digital forms. This computational approach maintains data integrity from the source file while enabling full automation of the conversion and subsequent workflow processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual creation of digital form from scratch is performed, then complete customization is achieved, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization completenessVSAvoiderror rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion system autonomously performs the complete process of creating digital forms from electronic files, automatically identifying form fields, labels, and data structures. This self-service capability eliminates manual transcription errors while maintaining complete customization, as the system accurately replicates the source document's form structure without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12373631B2Systems, methods, and devices for a form converter

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 NINTEX UK LTD

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices for automatically converting a static electronic file format and its various elements into a dynamic digital form with executable elements that can be customized before being used. The resulting digital form is compatible with digital workflows and processes. The disclosed systems, methods, and devices go beyond simply extracting data from the original electronic file format and instead enable users to, without using code, convert the source form into a dynamic, malleable digital form while still retaining the source form's original purpose and functionality.