Middleware Intercepting Application Text for Dynamic Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software applications often require significant effort and access to source code to internationalize user interfaces, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, particularly for less popular languages, resulting in limited language support and decreased customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provides on-the-fly translations of user-interface text into foreign languages without accessing the source code, using middleware to intercept and translate textual messages in Java or similar languages, leveraging a translation mechanism and hints database for accurate translations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional internationalization techniques are used to support multiple languages, then language support is achieved, but source code modification and property file creation are required which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation service as an intermediary component that sits between the application and the user interface. This service intercepts display commands, translates the text content, and returns the translated text for display. This mediator approach eliminates the need to modify source code or create property files, as the translation happens dynamically at runtime through the intermediary translation service layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manually modifying source code and creating property files with an automated translation mechanism. Instead of developers manually translating and updating code, the system uses automated translation services (such as Google Translate API) to dynamically translate text content, substituting manual mechanical work with automated digital translation processes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If developers modify source code to support multiple languages, then internationalization is achieved, but labor intensity and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service operates autonomously to translate text content without requiring developer intervention. The system automatically intercepts display commands, extracts text, queries the translation mechanism, and returns translated text. This self-service capability eliminates the labor-intensive process of manual translation and code modification, reducing both labor intensity and human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual translation work with automated translation mechanisms. Instead of developers manually translating text and updating code, the system uses automated translation services (such as Google Translate API) to dynamically translate text content, substituting manual mechanical work with automated digital translation processes that are faster and more accurate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If property files are created for each language, then language-specific translation is achieved, but additional work and fixed language sets are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual process of creating property files for each language with automated translation services. Instead of developers manually translating and storing text in language-specific property files, the system uses automated translation mechanisms (such as cloud-based translation APIs) to dynamically generate translations on-demand, eliminating the need for pre-created property files and enabling rapid support for new languages.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation system operates dynamically at runtime rather than requiring static pre-prepared property files. The translation service intercepts display commands during execution, extracts text content, queries the translation mechanism, and returns translated text immediately. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to new languages without requiring advance preparation of property files, significantly improving time to market for language support.
4Adaptability or versatility
If on-the-fly translation using JavaScript API is used, then translation without source code access is achieved, but active internet connection and source code alteration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a translation service as an intermediary that operates within the existing application framework without requiring source code modifications. The service intercepts display commands through the application's existing APIs, translates the text content, and returns the translated text for display. This intermediary approach eliminates the need to alter source code while maintaining the ability to translate without requiring active internet connections, as the translation service can operate locally or use cached translations.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method to translate displayed text of a computer application, the method including: intercepting a command to display text in a first language, the command comprising the text to display in the first language; extracting text to translate from the command; querying a translation mechanism by use of the extracted text; receiving translated text in a second language from the translation mechanism; and displaying the translated text in the second language.