Dynamic Form Explanation Generator via Source Code Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex interdependencies in forms, particularly in declarative specifications, make it difficult for programmers and users to understand how field values are generated, as existing methods rely on static diagrams or help files that do not automatically update with changes in the application's source code.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that processes input code associated with forms to create dynamic natural language explanations, using a framework comprising a compiler, analyzer, topological sorter, and natural language generator to convert equations into intuitive explanations, highlighting field dependencies and calculations in a user-friendly format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If static diagrams or help files are used to explain form calculations, then programmers and users can understand the theoretical control flow, but the explanations do not automatically update when the source code is modified, leading to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static explanations into dynamic ones by implementing an automated system that generates explanations directly from source code. The system uses a compiler to parse form definitions and equations, an analyzer to determine evaluation order, and a natural language generator to create explanations that automatically update when source code changes, eliminating manual update requirements and ensuring consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The explanation system serves itself by automatically generating and updating documentation from the source code without requiring manual intervention. The compiler and analyzer extract information directly from the form definitions and equations, and the natural language generator produces updated explanations whenever the source code is modified, making the system self-maintaining.
2Adaptability or versatility
If declarative programming language is used to specify fields and equations, then forms can be designed with complex calculations, but the interdependencies between fields become not intuitive and difficult to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary natural language explanation layer between the declarative source code and the user. The system analyzes the equations and field interdependencies, then generates intuitive natural language descriptions that explain how field values are calculated and how fields depend on each other, making complex declarative specifications understandable without changing the underlying programming model.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complex form definition into individual equations and field dependencies, analyzing each separately to determine evaluation order and interdependencies. This segmentation allows the generator to create focused, understandable explanations for each field rather than presenting the entire complex system at once.
3Reliability
If manual updates of help files are performed to maintain consistency, then explanations can be kept up-to-date, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring source code changes and automatically regenerating explanations. The compiler and analyzer detect modifications in form definitions and equations, trigger explanation regeneration, and ensure the documentation always reflects the current state of the form, eliminating the need for manual updates and ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for explaining a form that includes receiving input code, wherein the input code is associated with the form, processing the input code to create an explanation dynamically associated with the form, and outputting the explanation into a natural language.