Runtime Language Selection in Business Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of computer programs lack the ability to easily change displayed text during runtime, as they can only switch between pre-programmed languages without editing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for runtime language selection that allows users to edit and translate data fields within a business object, providing a user interface with a language switch button and a translate pane for modifying language-dependent data, including the option to access external auto-translation services and edit field labels and contents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If language selection is fixed during installation or by administrator, then system stability is maintained, but user flexibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser ability to change languageVSAvoidlanguage management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic language selection by allowing users to change language preferences during runtime without requiring system reconfiguration or administrator intervention. The system dynamically adapts to user-selected languages by retrieving and displaying translated content from language data stores, transforming a static language configuration into a dynamic, user-controlled feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pre-programmed languages are provided, then language coverage is improved, but user ability to edit or customize text deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage coverageVSAvoidtext editing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to self-service language customization by providing direct editing capabilities for language-dependent data. Users can modify text content in data fields, add new language translations, and customize interface text without requiring programmer intervention or system administrator privileges, making the system self-sufficient for language adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides universal language support by combining multiple functions into a unified interface: users can select from pre-programmed languages, edit existing text, add new translations, and switch between languages all through the same data field interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate text editing tools or administrator access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If language changes require logging out or system reconfiguration, then system reliability is maintained, but user productivity and time efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage switching speedVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-loading and storing multiple language versions of data fields and interface text in the system's data stores during installation or initial configuration. This allows users to switch languages instantly during runtime by simply selecting from available options, without requiring system reconfiguration, file operations, or logout procedures, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8935147B2Runtime data language selection in object instance

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 SAP SE

AI summary

A method of handling different languages in an object, such as a business object includes receiving a language selection indication within a business object instance interface. Data within the business object is displayed for at least one data field in the selected language. Edited data for at least one data field within the business object is received, and other language versions of the edited data in the at least one data field may be modified.