Report Format Conversion Between Markup and Banded Schemas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Migrating reports from one reporting tool to another imposes a significant burden on IT resources due to differences in report formats and data schemas, particularly when transitioning from markup-based reports to banded report formats like .RPT files used by SAP Crystal Reports.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for converting reports between disparate formats, involving a conversion module that receives a source report in a markup data schema and generates a target report in a banded report schema, including formatting and content conversions, utilizing a processor and memory to execute program code and manage report formatting settings and content layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reports are migrated from one reporting tool to another using traditional methods, then report format compatibility is achieved, but IT resource burden increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion system that acts as a mediator between source and target reporting tools. This conversion system translates reports from source format to target format automatically, eliminating the need for manual migration processes and reducing IT resource burden while maintaining format compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming report parameters, formatting settings, and structural elements from the source reporting tool's parameter space to the target reporting tool's parameter space. This systematic parameter translation enables automatic format conversion while preserving report functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual conversion methods are used to migrate reports between tools, then format transformation is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is designed to be self-service, automatically performing format transformation without requiring manual intervention. The system independently analyzes source report structures, applies appropriate conversion rules, and generates target format reports, significantly reducing conversion time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining conversion rules, mapping relationships, and transformation templates for common report formats. This preparatory work enables rapid automatic conversion when reports need to be migrated, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual analysis during actual conversion.
3Productivity
If automated conversion systems are implemented, then conversion speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system is segmented into modular components including format parsers, structure analyzers, rule engines, and output generators. Each module handles a specific aspect of conversion, making the overall complex system manageable through clear separation of concerns and independent module development.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple report formats and schemas through a single unified platform. By implementing format-agnostic parsing and configurable transformation rules, the system achieves high conversion speed across diverse formats without requiring separate specialized tools for each format pair.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems and methods for converting reports between disparate report formats are described herein. In one aspect, a first report in a markup data schema is received. On another aspect, a second report in a banded report schema, comprising one or more bands, is created. The second report is created as a blank report. First report formatting settings of the first report are converted to second report formatting setting of the second report. Report content and report content layout from the first report are converted to the second report.