Form Data Aggregation System for Batch Submission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for processing multiple forms are inefficient, as they require users to sift through mega-forms, create custom applications, or submit individual forms separately, leading to data management and processing challenges.

Innovation Solution

A system that aggregates data from a customized packet of forms by creating a single data unit, extracting and concatenating data from associated forms, and submitting it to a server, allowing for efficient processing without the need for separate submissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mega-form containing all possible combinations of forms is used, then all users can be accommodated with a single form structure, but the user must sift through unnecessary forms to find applicable ones, increasing user effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform customizationVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mega-form into multiple individual form documents, each containing only the forms relevant to specific user types. The system divides the comprehensive form set into targeted subsets based on user characteristics, allowing users to immediately access only their required forms without sifting through unrelated content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring form packets according to user types before the user arrives. User attributes are collected and used to automatically select and assemble the appropriate form packet in advance, so when the user accesses the system, their customized form set is already prepared and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If individual forms are downloaded and submitted separately, then each form can be processed independently, but the server must associate data from each form with the correct user, increasing server processing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform processingVSAvoidserver processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple individual form submissions into a single integrated submission unit. Instead of receiving separate form files that require individual tracking and association with users, the system combines all forms into one packet that contains inherent user identification and form relationships, eliminating the need for complex server-side association logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The form packet structure acts as an intermediary that carries user identification and form metadata throughout the submission process. This intermediary structure preserves the link between user and forms without requiring the server to perform complex matching operations, as the association information is embedded within the packet itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If web-based forms are used where each form is submitted prior to starting the next form, then form data can be processed sequentially, but if a user wants to edit a submitted form, the form must be retrieved from the server, corrected, and resubmitted, increasing time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform submissionVSAvoidform editing
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple forms into a single downloadable packet that users can open and edit locally using standard software. Since the entire form set is provided as one integrated unit, users can make edits to any form within the packet without triggering server submissions or requiring form retrieval, maintaining ease of editing while enabling batch processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If a customized application is created to guide users through forms, then the user experience can be tailored, but a custom application must be written for each situation, increasing development complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser guidanceVSAvoidapplication development
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal form packet system that can serve multiple user types and situations without requiring custom applications. The standardized packet structure, combined with automated form selection based on user attributes, provides tailored user experiences across different scenarios using a single general-purpose system, eliminating the need for situation-specific application development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8037014B1Method and apparatus for aggregating and submitting form data
Publication Date: 2011.10.11 ADOBE INC
  • US8037014B1 patent drawing
  • US8037014B1 patent drawing
  • US8037014B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system that aggregates and submits data from a customized packet of forms. The system first creates a single data unit for storing form data which is initially empty. It then opens a main document, which has associated forms. For each associated form in the main document, the system extracts data from client-populated fields in the associated form and concatenates data from the associated form to the single data unit. In this way, data from every associated form in the customized packet of forms is aggregated into the single data unit. The system then submits the single data unit.