Interactive Document Builder Using Visual Data Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Creating and modifying interactive documents requires advanced programming skills, making it complex and costly for non-technical users, as changes often necessitate recompilation and redeployment of scripting languages.
Innovation Solution
A system and method allowing users to define functional logic and specify data binding without advanced programming, using an interactive document build manager with an editing interface, binding module, data receipt module, and display/update module, facilitating a spreadsheet-like layout for users to create and modify interactive documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scripting languages and programming tools are used to create interactive documents, then functional logic and data binding can be implemented, but the complexity and cost increase significantly requiring advanced programming skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual builder tool as an intermediary between the user and the scripting language. This builder provides a graphical interface with drag-and-drop components that automatically generate the underlying script code, allowing users to create functional logic without directly writing or understanding programming syntax. The builder mediates by translating visual design actions into executable code behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual scripting and programming with an automated visual construction system. Instead of requiring users to manually write, compile, and debug script code, the system uses a visual editor with pre-configured components that automatically assemble the functional logic through graphical interactions, eliminating the need for traditional programming mechanics.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scripting languages are used for interactive documents, then functional logic can be implemented, but changes require recompilation and redeployment increasing time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring functional logic components and data binding templates within the visual builder. Common interactive document patterns are prepared in advance as reusable building blocks, allowing users to assemble complex functionality by simply selecting and configuring pre-built components rather than creating logic from scratch or modifying existing scripts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying of functional logic through reusable templates and component libraries. Users can copy existing interactive elements, workflows, and data binding configurations between documents or within the same document, eliminating the need to recreate or recompile logic when making similar changes. This template-based approach allows rapid duplication and adaptation of functional patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced programming skills are required for creating interactive documents, then functional logic can be implemented, but accessibility and user satisfaction decrease for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of creating interactive document logic into discrete, manageable visual components. The functional logic is broken down into separate draggable elements representing different operations (e.g., data retrieval, validation, calculation, display), each with clearly defined functions. Users assemble these segmented components through simple graphical connections rather than writing integrated blocks of code, making the system accessible to non-programmers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding to indicate different types of functional components, data binding states, and validation statuses within the visual builder. Different component types are represented by distinct colors, and changes in color provide visual feedback about the state of the interactive document logic. This visual language allows users to understand and manipulate functional logic through color-based cues rather than requiring knowledge of programming syntax or semantics.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, during a design mode an editing interface is provided, the interface including a plurality of cells arranged in a layout. An instruction is received to cause binding of a widget to a first cell, and data is received at the first cell. During a production mode, a view of the document is displayed. The first cell is updated to reference changed data when it is detected that data within the widget is changed via user input at the widget. The widget is updated to reference changed data when it is detected that data within the first cell has changed for a reason other than user input at the widget.