XML Form Processing via Template Difference Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing XML form processing methods require substantial revisions in processing logic due to minor changes in form structure, as absolute selection paths no longer match, leading to inefficiencies and increased configuration efforts.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a template XML form to identify differences between the original and modified forms, employing Event Listeners to track specific changes such as additions, modifications, and deletions, allowing for parallel processing and reducing the need for extensive reconfiguration, even when the schema changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If absolute selection paths are used to process XML form entries, then the processing logic can be straightforward and simple, but any minor changes in form structure require substantial revision of the processing logic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of processing logicVSAvoidadaptability to form structure changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the XML form processing into a template phase and a data phase. The template defines the structure and validation rules once, while the actual processing uses this template to handle variations in data without requiring changes to the processing logic. This separation allows the processing logic to remain stable while the form structure can adapt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The template XML form serves multiple functions: it defines the structure, provides validation rules, and acts as a reference for processing variations. This universal template approach allows the same processing logic to handle different instances of the form regardless of minor structural changes, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing processing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the whole response form is evaluated using absolute selection paths, then all entries can be investigated comprehensively, but processing time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of form evaluationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The template is prepared in advance with all necessary validation rules and structural definitions. During processing, the system compares the actual form data against this pre-prepared template, which eliminates the need to re-evaluate the entire form structure from scratch. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining comprehensive evaluation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential validation and structural information from the complete form into a separate template representation. By working with this extracted template rather than the entire form data, the system achieves comprehensive evaluation of relevant entries while reducing the processing time required to analyze the full document.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If all entries in the response form are processed sequentially, then complete evaluation can be ensured, but processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data processingVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing is segmented into template comparison operations that can be performed in parallel. Different parts of the form can be validated against the template simultaneously, improving productivity while maintaining complete evaluation through systematic comparison of all entries against the comprehensive template structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9229921B2Method and system for processing the input in a XML form
Publication Date: 2016.01.05 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US9229921B2 patent drawing
  • US9229921B2 patent drawing

AI summary

System and method for processing the input in an XML form. The method may include providing a template XML form to the user, receiving a modified XML form from the user, identifying the differences between the template XML form and the modified XML form and further processing the modified XML form based on the identified differences.