XML Configuration for Multi-Source Data Retrieval

The patent introduces an XML configuration file as an intermediary between the data warehouse and the presentation layer. This configuration file contains pre-defined formatting rules and templates that automatically format data from multiple sources without requiring complex client-side processing. The XML file acts as a mediator that translates raw data into presentable formats, resolving the contradiction between data availability and formatting complexity.

The patent extracts the formatting and display logic from local client applications and consolidates it into server-side XML configuration files. These configuration files contain all necessary formatting rules, templates, and presentation parameters. The client application becomes a simple renderer that applies the server-provided formatting, eliminating the need for complex local formatting logic while preserving display customization capabilities.

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring display options, filters, and formatting rules in XML configuration files before data retrieval. Users can define their preferred display parameters, filter criteria, and formatting preferences in advance, which are then stored in the XML configuration. When data is retrieved, the system automatically applies these pre-configured settings without requiring users to manually configure each parameter at runtime, thus improving user control while managing configuration complexity.

The patent introduces XML configuration files as intermediaries that contain pre-defined processing rules, templates, and transformation logic. Instead of requiring complex client applications to process data, the system uses these configuration files to automatically transform and format retrieved data. The client application becomes a simple executor that applies the rules defined in the XML configuration, maintaining data processing capability while significantly improving ease of use.