Parameter-Driven Data Format Conversion in Client/Server Architectures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current client/server architectures lack flexibility in data format conversion, requiring clients to adjust data formats, which limits decoupling of service implementations from client consumption and restricts the ability to support diverse client configurations without adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A parameter-driven data format conversion system with a format conversion framework in the protocol layer that uses a format conversion ID to determine and execute the necessary conversion routines, allowing clients to control data formatting and structure, and enabling new format conversions to be added on the server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed data format is exposed by the server, then the service implementation is simple and stable, but the client cannot control the data format and must adjust it locally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a format conversion framework as an intermediary layer between the server and client. This framework includes a format conversion registry that stores conversion identifiers and mapping information, enabling format transformation without modifying the server or client directly. The intermediary handles the complexity of format conversion while maintaining simple server implementation and flexible client consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-driven format conversion where clients specify desired formats through parameters (format conversion identifiers) in their requests. The system changes the data format parameter dynamically based on client requirements rather than using a fixed format. This allows the same service to adapt to different client needs by simply changing the format parameter without altering the core service implementation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If clients adjust data formats locally, then the server remains simple, but the decoupling between service and client is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The format conversion framework acts as a mediator that handles format transformation on the server side, eliminating the need for clients to perform format adjustments locally. Clients simply request data in their preferred format through the framework, and the server automatically handles the conversion, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The format conversion framework provides universal functionality by supporting multiple data formats through a single registry system. The framework can handle various format conversions (e.g., JSON, XML, CSV) using the same underlying mechanism, allowing different clients to consume the service with their preferred formats without requiring client-specific configurations or adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data formats are supported, then client diversity is accommodated, but the service implementation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the format conversion functionality into separate, independent conversion modules stored in the registry. Each module handles a specific format conversion and can be loaded or unloaded independently. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple formats without creating a monolithic complex structure, as each conversion module operates independently and can be managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The format conversion framework performs preliminary action by pre-defining and registering conversion routines for different formats before they are needed. The mapping information and conversion logic are prepared in advance in the registry, so when a client requests a specific format, the conversion can be executed immediately without requiring complex runtime analysis or dynamic code generation, simplifying the overall implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for parameter driven data format conversion in a client/server architecture are disclosed. A format conversion framework is provided in a protocol layer between the client and the server. The format conversion framework passes a format conversion identifier (ID) with a request from the client from the client to the server. A conversion module is looked up by the format conversion framework based on the format conversion ID, the conversion module providing a conversion routine. The format conversion framework then executes the conversion routine on a result returned from the server to the client based on the request, the conversion routine converting a format of the result into a format used by the client.