Runtime Replacement Tags for Autonomous Software Data Interchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sharing data among software applications, especially those sharing simple information, are inefficient and require significant effort, particularly for large numbers of smaller applications, due to complexity and the need for intense programming knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using runtime replacement tags (RRTs) within a configuration file or shared memory space, where software components can replace tags with corresponding values, allowing seamless data sharing between autonomous processing entities without requiring extensive programming knowledge or complex integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If messaging is used for data sharing among large numbers of autonomous applications, then data sharing capability is improved, but system complexity increases due to message contention and coordination overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared configuration file as an intermediary mechanism that sits between multiple autonomous software components. Instead of components directly communicating through complex messaging protocols, they all interact with this central configuration file to read and write data elements. This mediator approach resolves message contention by providing a single source of truth that all components can access independently, eliminating the need for complex coordination while maintaining data sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal communication (messaging sequences) to spatial organization (configuration file structure). Data elements are organized in a hierarchical structure within the configuration file with clear namespaces and paths. This dimensional change allows multiple components to access data simultaneously without contention, as they operate on different data elements or the same file structure in parallel, eliminating the sequential nature of message passing.
2Productivity
If API integration is used for data sharing among software applications, then data sharing efficiency is improved, but integration effort and programming knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based data element definitions in the configuration file that can be copied and reused across multiple software components. Instead of creating custom API integrations for each component pair, standardized data element templates are defined once and referenced by multiple components. This copying approach maintains efficient data sharing while dramatically reducing integration effort, as components can inherit and reuse existing data element definitions rather than creating new integration logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a data repository, a configuration store, a documentation source, and an integration interface. This universal mechanism replaces the need for separate API definitions, data models, and integration logic that would otherwise be required. By consolidating these functions into a single standardized format, the system achieves high data sharing efficiency while lowering the barrier to integration for new components.
3Reliability
If traditional data sharing methods are used for simple information, then data sharing is achieved, but time consumption and manual intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization and validation of data elements in the configuration file before software components need to access them. Data elements are pre-defined with proper namespaces, data types, and relationships established in advance. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for components to perform complex data transformation or validation logic during runtime, reducing both time consumption and manual intervention while maintaining data sharing accuracy through pre-established data contracts.
Data Source
AI summary
Data element values are shared between a first software component and a second software component of a document processing framework. The components can capture, process, or route a digital image of a document and access a configuration file that is generated for the image. A data element attribute and value pair is placed in the configuration file. The value of the data element is a tag that includes an identifier identifying the first software component and a tag name. The first software component is executed on the image, produces a tag value corresponding to the tag name, searches the configuration file for the tag by the identifier, replaces the tag with the tag value in the configuration file, and terminates. The second software component is executed on the image after the first software component has terminated and reads the data element attribute and value pair.