Graphical Rule-Based Hierarchical Data Transformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies lack an efficient method for transforming hierarchical data formats without requiring programming knowledge, limiting user flexibility and complexity in data processing.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a graphical interface to select and arrange operation icons and links, enabling users to define rules for transforming inbound hierarchical data formats into outbound formats, with the ability to embed rules within each other and compile these rules into executable instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional programming languages are used for data transformation, then transformation capability and complexity are improved, but user accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation capabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a graphical rule-based system as an intermediary between the user and the complex data transformation operations. Instead of requiring users to write programming code, they interact with visual icons and drag-and-drop interfaces that automatically generate and execute transformation logic, thus maintaining high transformation capability while dramatically improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of traditional programming (writing, compiling, and debugging code) with a graphical interface system where users manipulate visual elements. This substitution eliminates the need for programming knowledge while preserving the ability to perform complex data transformations through visual rule definition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If graphical interfaces are used for data transformation, then ease of operation is improved, but transformation complexity and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidtransformation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by allowing rules to be embedded within other rules, creating a hierarchical structure where complex transformations are built from simpler rule components. This enables the graphical interface to handle sophisticated data transformations by composing multiple nested rules, thus maintaining both ease of operation and transformation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments complex data transformation tasks into individual operational icons representing discrete actions. Users can select and arrange these segmented operations in sequences and hierarchies, allowing the graphical interface to manage complex transformations through modular, composable rule elements rather than monolithic code

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If programming knowledge is required for data transformation, then transformation precision and control are improved, but user base and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation precisionVSAvoiduser base

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling users to define and execute their own data transformation rules through the graphical interface without requiring external programming expertise. The system automatically handles the compilation and execution of user-defined rules, allowing users to maintain precise control over transformations while expanding the potential user base to non-programmers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8732596B2Transformation of hierarchical data formats using graphical rules

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 APTITUDE SOFTWARE

AI summary

There is provided a method of creating computer instructions for transforming inbound instances, being instances of a hierarchical inbound data format, into outbound instances, being instances of at least one hierarchical outbound data format, wherein each inbound instance is transformed into zero, one or more outbound instances, the inbound and outbound data formats each having a number of segments arranged in a hierarchical manner, the method using a computing device having at least a processor, a memory, a display device and an input device, and the method including:retrieving from the memory and providing on the display device a number of operation icons each representing at least one operation to be performed on data; andenabling a user of the computing device to select and arrange at least some of the operation icons on the display device.