RESTful API URL Creation Without Protocol Syntax Expertise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing URL creation methods for data retrieval from remote servers, such as OData services, require technical expertise and understanding of complex specifications, making them inaccessible to non-technical users.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automates the creation of protocol-compliant URLs, like OData-compliant URLs, by customizing a graphical user interface based on metadata from the data service, allowing users to input query options without needing detailed knowledge of the standard, and applying rules to generate a compliant URL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard URL methods are used for data retrieval, then the system is simple and widely compatible, but non-technical users cannot tailor or filter the information requested from the server
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that translates between simple user-friendly query parameters and complex protocol-compliant URLs. This intermediary layer allows non-technical users to specify filter criteria through intuitive interfaces while the system automatically generates the required protocol-compliant URLs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining valid filter criteria and query options based on the data service metadata. Instead of requiring users to construct complex URLs from scratch, the system prepares and validates filter parameters in advance, then combines them into protocol-compliant URLs, reducing the complexity for end users.
2Measurement precision
If protocol-compliant URLs are manually constructed, then precise data filtering is achieved, but technical expertise and understanding of complex specifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating protocol-compliant URLs based on user-selected filter criteria. The URL generation system validates and constructs the URLs without requiring user intervention or knowledge of the underlying protocol specifications, maintaining filtering precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of constructing protocol-compliant URLs with an automated system that uses metadata and filter criteria to generate URLs programmatically. This substitution eliminates the need for users to understand complex URL syntax while preserving precise filtering capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive filter options are provided, then data retrieval accuracy is improved, but the user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter options into distinct, manageable categories based on the data service metadata. Each filter criterion is presented as a separate, clearly-defined option with specific valid values. This segmentation allows comprehensive filtering capabilities to be organized in a way that reduces perceived complexity while maintaining retrieval accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface is configured to guide a user through a method of creating a RESTful API protocol-compliant URL, without requiring that the user be familiar with syntax of the RESTful API protocol. The graphical user interface includes a URL output that indicates to the user features within a user-edited URL that render the user-edited URL non-compliant with the RESTful API protocol. The graphical user interface includes a set of graphical input devices to solicit and receive from the user input specifying a set of query options, which user input is used to define the RESTful API protocol-compliant URL. The graphical user interface is automatically customized to solicit and receive from the user input only for options available from a specific data service.