Extensible XML Schema for Localization Data Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current software development tools lack extensibility and flexibility in data models, making it difficult to create and maintain localized software applications across different organizations and languages, and there is a need for a consistent and shareable data format for localization processes.

Innovation Solution

A system and method using an extensible XML schema for defining localization data, including a software data schema with property repository and owned comment data elements, allowing for the splitting and merging of data collections, and enabling access and manipulation of localization data through a standardized format.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If binary format is used for storing localization data, then data storage efficiency is improved, but data reading, editing, sharing, and manipulation become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage efficiencyVSAvoiddata reading, editing, sharing, and manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses XML format to create a text-based copy representation of localization data, making it human-readable and easily shareable while maintaining the ability to store and manipulate the data structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If data models are made highly flexible and extensible, then adaptability to different organizations and languages is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextensibility and flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the localization data into distinct XML elements (string data, binary data, comments, properties) with clear roles and responsibilities, allowing flexible combination while maintaining manageable structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The XML schema is designed as a universal framework that can accommodate multiple data types and organizational needs through a single standardized format, enabling multi-functionality without requiring separate systems for each data type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple organizations perform different parts of localization process, then productivity is improved, but consistency and standardization across organizations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparallel processing capabilityVSAvoiddata format consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a standardized XML schema with fixed parameter definitions (element names, data types, structures) that all organizations must follow, ensuring consistency while allowing parallel processing of different localization tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7747588B2Extensible XML format and object model for localization data

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media including computer-readable components for the localization of data included in software programs are described. The computer-readable components comprise data elements defined by a software data schema; a property repository data element for storing a plurality of data properties about the data elements; and an owned comment data element comprising information about the localization of the data included in software programs and an owner with permission to create, access, and manipulate the owned comment data element.