Table-Driven Passenger Information Message Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software systems used by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other immigration agencies require complex command line interfaces to create and manage messages for advance passenger information, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in message formatting.
Innovation Solution
A table-driven software application that utilizes message templates and token substitution to generate messages, allowing for easy modification of data elements such as message formats, delivery addresses, and timing without altering the application code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional command line interface software is used to create and manage passenger information messages, then the system can generate required messages, but the operation becomes complex and error-prone requiring multiple action codes and extensive coding knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical command line interface system with a graphical user interface (GUI) system. The GUI provides visual elements such as buttons, dropdown menus, and form fields that allow users to create and manage passenger information messages through point-and-click operations rather than typing complex command codes. This substitution fundamentally changes the interaction paradigm from text-based mechanical input to visual graphical input, resolving the contradiction by making the system easier to operate while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying message generation system. This intermediary translates simple user actions (clicking buttons, selecting options) into the complex operations required to generate formatted passenger information messages. The GUI acts as a mediator that shields users from the complexity of the underlying system while still achieving the desired message creation and management functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional software requires multiple action codes to edit message format, then the system can modify message structure, but the time required for editing increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring message templates with common formats and structures within the graphical user interface. These templates are prepared in advance and can be selected by users without requiring manual construction or multiple editing codes. The system anticipates common message format requirements and provides ready-to-use templates that can be quickly selected and customized, dramatically reducing the time needed to edit message formats while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the message editing process through the graphical user interface. The interface dynamically adjusts available options, fields, and controls based on the selected message type and template. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different message format requirements automatically, providing the appropriate editing tools and options without requiring users to manually invoke multiple action codes. The interface responds and reconfigures itself based on user selections, making format editing both adaptable and time-efficient.
3Ease of manufacture
If incorrect changes are made to code in conventional software, then the system can be modified, but the message may not be sent resulting in fines or consequences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical code-editing system with a graphical configuration system. Instead of allowing users to directly modify program code, the GUI provides controlled configuration options through forms, dropdown menus, and parameter fields. This substitution eliminates the risk of syntax errors and invalid code changes while maintaining the ability to modify message formats and behaviors. The system ensures that only valid, pre-defined configuration options are available, preventing incorrect modifications that could compromise message transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through built-in validation and error prevention mechanisms within the graphical user interface. The system automatically validates user inputs, checks for configuration errors, and provides guidance to ensure correct settings. The GUI performs self-checks and prevents saving of invalid configurations, thereby protecting against incorrect changes that could lead to message transmission failures. This self-service approach to validation and error prevention maintains reliability while allowing easy software modification through the graphical interface.
4Productivity
If conventional software requires user familiarity with specific action codes, then the system can process messages, but the learning curve and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the code-based mechanical system with a graphical interface system that uses visual elements instead of text-based action codes. Users interact with buttons, icons, dropdown menus, and form fields that are intuitively labeled and organized. This substitution eliminates the need to learn and remember specific action codes while maintaining full message generation capability. The graphical interface provides visual feedback and clear labeling, making the system immediately accessible to users without requiring extensive training or prior knowledge of specific commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying in the form of templates and pre-configured message formats within the graphical user interface. Instead of requiring users to learn and construct messages from scratch using action codes, the system provides copyable templates that can be selected and adapted. These templates represent common message types and formats that have been pre-defined and can be quickly copied or selected, dramatically reducing the learning curve while maintaining productivity. Users can copy existing message templates and modify them as needed through the graphical interface without needing to understand the underlying code structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Passenger information messages (“PIMs”) are generated using table-driven segment systems and methods. Message segments may be paired with token names. Passenger information associated with an airline flight are substituted for the token names. The passenger information and message segments are arranged to generate a PIM for the airline flight.