Metafile to Spreadsheet Conversion Preserving Formatting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in editing and managing metafile data, particularly in preserving formatting and relationships when converting between native image formats and spreadsheet formats, and vice versa, without guaranteeing interoperability across different systems and vendors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that select and transform metafile data, such as in the Image Exchange Format (IEF) or DICOM protocol, into a spreadsheet format for editing, using a processor to identify relationships, generate schema files, and build import maps, allowing data to be edited and then transformed back into an output metafile, preserving relationships and formatting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metafile data is converted to spreadsheet format for editing, then ease of operation is improved, but formatting and relationships may not be preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating schema files and import maps before the conversion process. The schema files define the structure and relationships of the metafile data in advance, while import maps pre-establish the mapping between metafile elements and spreadsheet cells. This preliminary preparation ensures that when data is converted to spreadsheet format, all formatting and relationships are preserved during the editing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components - schema files and import maps - that mediate between the metafile format and spreadsheet format. Schema files act as intermediaries that define data structures and relationships, while import maps serve as intermediaries that map specific metafile elements to spreadsheet locations. These intermediaries ensure that formatting and relationships are maintained during conversion without requiring complex direct translation logic.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple sheets are exported to a single XML file, then file quantity is reduced, but relationships between sheets may not be preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements nesting by placing multiple spreadsheet sheets within a single XML file structure. Each sheet's data is nested as elements within the parent XML document, and relationships between sheets are preserved through hierarchical nesting and cross-referencing. This allows multiple sheets to be contained in one file while maintaining their individual identities and interrelationships through the XML structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Import maps serve as intermediaries that define relationships between multiple sheets when exported to a single XML file. The import maps contain metadata that describes how sheets are related, including parent-child relationships and data dependencies. This intermediary structure enables the preservation of sheet relationships even when all sheets are consolidated into a single XML file.
3Ease of operation
If data is converted from image format to spreadsheet and back, then editing capability is improved, but data integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary validation and schema definition before conversion to ensure data integrity is maintained. Schema files are generated that define the expected structure and constraints of the data, and these are used during conversion to verify that data is correctly transformed. This preliminary preparation creates a framework that protects data integrity throughout the conversion and editing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that validate data during and after conversion. Import maps and schema files provide feedback about the expected data structure, allowing the system to verify that converted data meets integrity requirements. This feedback loop ensures that data maintains its integrity when converted between image format and spreadsheet format, preventing corruption or loss of critical information.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed and described herein are systems, methods and computer program products that enable converting a metafile to a spreadsheet file, editing the spreadsheet file, and then transforming the spreadsheet file back to an output metafile.