Software Localization System with Translation Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing localization process of computer software is error-prone and inefficient due to the lack of understanding of resource file formats among translators and the lack of clear guidelines for developers, leading to compilation failures and significant overhead.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates with a source code management system to leverage prior translated strings, convert resource files to a common format like XLIFF, create a translation memory bundle using TMX, and facilitate network-based translation, storing translated strings in a database for efficient localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If translators work directly with resource files in various formats, then translation can be performed, but errors occur due to lack of understanding of resource file formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary localization system that sits between the resource files and translators. This system automatically extracts strings from resource files, manages translation memory, and handles format conversions, allowing translators to work with clean, standardized text without needing to understand complex resource file formats while maintaining high accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the localization process into distinct components: resource file parsing, string extraction, translation memory management, and result integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the complexity translators must handle, improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If developers follow unclear localization guidelines, then software can be developed, but compilation failures occur due to lack of clear guidelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the localization system validates resource files against localization requirements and provides specific guidance to developers. This feedback loop identifies issues early in the development process, preventing compilation failures while maintaining development speed through automated rather than manual validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and formatting checks on resource files before they reach the translation or compilation stage. By catching and correcting issues early, it prevents compilation failures later in the process while not significantly impacting development speed.
3Reliability
If manual localization processes are used, then translation can be completed, but significant overhead is incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the localization system automatically extracts strings, matches them against translation memory, retrieves existing translations, and integrates results back into resource files. This automation eliminates manual overhead while maintaining translation completeness through systematic processing of all strings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary translation by leveraging existing translation memory before human intervention is needed. By pre-translating recurring strings and maintaining a database of existing translations, it reduces the overall work required while ensuring consistent and complete translation across the software.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for localization facilitates checking resource files in a first format out of a source code management system. Prior stored translated strings are leveraged to produce a partially translated translation memory corresponding to the resource files. Translations of strings are obtained to complete translation of the partially translated translation memory. Translated strings are stored in a database, and the translated resource files in the first format are checked back into the source code management system.