Modular Data Conversion Control for Expanding Format Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data conversion technologies require a large number of data conversion engines to handle various data formats, making it difficult to flexibly cope with the increase in the number of data format options, as the number of engine types needed grows exponentially with the number of input and output formats.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a data conversion system with a control unit that coordinates and links multiple converting units to perform data conversions, allowing for the use of existing engines in combinations to handle new formats without the need for additional engines, by segmenting conversion requests into manageable tasks and utilizing message queues to manage the conversion processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data format options for input and output conversion increases, then the versatility of the data conversion system improves, but the number of data conversion engines required increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data conversion process into multiple independent conversion steps. Instead of requiring a direct conversion engine for every possible input-output format pair, the system divides conversions into intermediate steps using common format bridges. For example, conversion between format A and format B may go through an intermediate format C if no direct engine exists, breaking down complex conversion requirements into manageable segments that reuse existing engines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal intermediate formats that can serve multiple conversion purposes. These intermediate formats act as common denominators that various conversion engines can read from and write to, enabling a single engine to participate in multiple different conversion chains. This multi-functional approach allows the same conversion engine to be reused across numerous format pairs, dramatically reducing the total number of engines needed while maintaining support for many format combinations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of data conversion engines is increased to handle more format pairs, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the difficulty of managing and maintaining the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages the large number of conversion engines by segmenting them into modular, independent units organized around specific format pairs. Each conversion engine is a self-contained component with a defined input and output format, making it easier to individually maintain, update, and replace without affecting other conversion paths. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate formats and conversion managers that act as intermediaries between the diverse set of conversion engines and the user requests. These intermediaries handle the complexity of routing, format negotiation, and engine selection, shielding users from the underlying complexity of managing numerous engines. The intermediary layer provides a unified interface that simplifies operations while the segmented engines handle the actual conversion tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus may include a plurality of converting units respectively configured to execute a predetermined data conversion from one data format to another data format, and a control unit. The control unit may coordinate the converting units based on a conversion request to convert electronic data in a first data format into electronic data in a second data format, in order to make the converting units execute a data conversion from the first data format to the second data format.