Merging Syntactic and Semantic Constraints for UI Form Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current XML schema languages are inadequate in combining syntactic and semantic constraints, limiting their ability to express complex data relationships and business rules effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process input data by merging the results of syntactic and semantic constraints to form an array of legal data, enabling more powerful User Interface (UI) form generation by integrating data types, dependencies, co-constraints, and state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current XML schema languages are used, then syntactic constraints can be expressed, but semantic constraints and complex data relationships cannot be effectively expressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges syntactic constraints (from XML Schema) and semantic constraints (from Schematron) into a unified processing system. The system combines the structural validation capabilities of XML Schema with the pattern-matching and business rule expression capabilities of Schematron, allowing both constraint types to work together seamlessly to validate complex data relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal constraint processing system that can handle multiple types of constraints (syntactic, semantic, business rules) through a single integrated framework. This multi-functional system can process various constraint types using common mechanisms like XPath evaluation and pattern matching, eliminating the need for separate validation systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If XML Schema languages are used, then data structure and content constraints can be defined, but syntactic and semantic constraints cannot be combined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the constraint processing into distinct phases: first processing syntactic constraints from XML Schema, then processing semantic constraints from Schematron, and finally merging the results. This segmentation allows each constraint type to be handled by its specialized processor while maintaining overall system coherence through a unified output structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives outputs from both syntactic and semantic constraint processors and merges them into a unified result. This intermediary mechanism协调ates the two constraint types, ensuring their results are properly integrated without creating unnecessary complexity in the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If existing schema languages are used, then basic validation can be performed, but comprehensive legal data for UI form generation cannot be retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of both syntactic and semantic constraints before UI form generation. By pre-validating and resolving all constraints in advance, the system ensures that complete and accurate legal data is available for form generation, eliminating the need for runtime constraint resolution and ensuring data completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of this invention is a method that includes receiving input data from an application. The input data includes information descriptive of at least one field. The method further includes processing the input data to form an array composed of legal data for the at least one field. The array is formed by merging a result of processing syntactic constraints and a result of processing semantic constraints. The method further includes outputting the array to the application. A system for performing the method is also described, as is a computer program product that can be used to execute the method.