Software Translation Cost Estimation via Content Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software application developers face challenges in estimating translation costs prior to completion of software development, making it difficult to manage translation budgets and prioritize text content effectively due to the retrospective nature of translation cost calculations.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines content types, assigns tasks, generates estimated word counts, and calculates translation costs for software applications, allowing for 'what if' calculations and prioritization of text content for translation, using classification algorithms and metadata analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If translation cost estimation is performed retrospectively after software development completion, then translation budget can be announced and decisions made about translation priorities, but it becomes impossible to estimate overall translation cost at any point prior to end of software development
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by estimating translation costs during the software development process itself, rather than waiting for completion. The word count estimation mechanism operates in advance, allowing budget planning and priority decisions to be made before development ends, thus eliminating the time loss associated with retrospective estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring and updating translation cost estimates as software development progresses. The estimation mechanism provides ongoing feedback to stakeholders about translation budget requirements, enabling dynamic adjustment of translation priorities and allocation throughout the development lifecycle rather than after completion.
2Quantity of substance
If translation cost is calculated based on actual word count after development, then accurate translation budget can be determined, but translation priorities cannot be prioritized in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary word count estimation for different content types and scenarios during software development. By pre-calculating estimated word counts for various translation scenarios, the system enables advance prioritization of translation tasks based on projected costs rather than actual final word counts, making translation priority management more proactive and easier to operate.
3Productivity
If translation cost estimation is done during software development, then translation budget can be managed proactively, but requires determination of content types and task assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the software application text into distinct content types (such as user interface strings, help documentation, error messages, etc.) and assigning specific word count characteristics to each type. This segmentation enables more accurate and efficient translation cost estimation by processing different content types with appropriate parameters, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through structured classification.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a computer-implemented method for estimating the cost of translating a body of text associated with a software application, wherein the software application is configured to perform one or more tasks. In particular the method comprises: determining one or more content types associated with the body of text, wherein each content type has an average word count per content unit; assigning a number of tasks associated with the software application to each content type, wherein each task has an associated number of content units; generating an estimated word count for each content type based on the number of tasks assigned to each content type and the average word count per unit for each content type; summing the estimated word count for each content type to generate an estimated word count for the body of text; and calculating an estimated translation cost based on the estimated word count.