Graphical Interface for Intuitive Batch Job Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of batch jobs for data reformatting is often complex and non-intuitive, requiring manual editing with computer jargon-based commands and repetitive iterative processes, leading to inefficiencies and delays in processing multiple data files.
Innovation Solution
A graphical interface is provided that allows users to select input files, create and execute reformatting batch jobs by dragging graphical elements between panes, associating processes and filters, enabling intuitive formation and execution of batch jobs with global and local associations for hierarchical processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If batch jobs are formed by manually editing executable files with computer jargon-based commands, then processing automation is achieved, but the formation process becomes complex and non-intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the batch job execution system. This GUI provides visual elements such as icons representing files, processes, and devices, allowing users to construct batch jobs through drag-and-drop operations rather than manually editing command-line scripts. The graphical interface translates user-friendly visual selections into the underlying executable commands, thereby maintaining automation capabilities while eliminating the complexity of direct script editing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual text editing and command-line interaction with a graphical user interface system. Instead of requiring users to type and edit text-based executable files with computer jargon, the system uses visual elements, icons, and drag-and-drop mechanisms. This substitution transforms the interaction model from text-based mechanical editing to graphical manipulation, making batch job formation more intuitive while preserving the automated processing capability.
2Productivity
If batch jobs are formed through iterative reentry of commands and designations of source files, then processing capability is achieved, but significant time and manual effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a graphical interface where users can visually select and configure all necessary components (files, processes, devices) before batch job execution begins. The system allows users to drag and drop graphical elements to define the entire batch job structure in advance, rather than requiring iterative reentry of commands during execution. This preliminary configuration through the GUI reduces the time required for batch job formation while maintaining full processing capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If users directly edit batch files with computer jargon commands, then precise control over processing is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult for general users
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface serves as an intermediary that translates user-friendly visual selections into precise processing control commands. Users interact with visual elements such as icons representing files, processes, and devices, dragging them to define batch job configurations. The GUI then converts these graphical arrangements into the precise command sequences needed for accurate processing control, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving ease of operation for general users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying in the sense that the graphical interface creates a visual representation (copy) of the batch job configuration that mirrors the actual processing structure. Users work with graphical copies of files, processes, and devices in the interface, which are then translated into the actual execution commands. This copying mechanism allows users to achieve precise control through visual manipulation without needing to understand or directly edit the underlying computer jargon commands.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, graphical interface and computer-readable medium for reformatting data including selecting at least one input file graphical element from a first pane corresponding to at least one input file to reformat. A reformatting batch job is created and is depicted in a second pane as a reformatting batch job graphical element when the at least one input file graphical element is selected in the first pane. At least one reformatting process is associated to the at least one input file in the reformatting batch job from a third pane. The reformatting batch job is executed with the at least one reformatting process being performed on the at least one input file.