XML Document Transformer Using Declarative Transformation Documents

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

XSL Transformations (XSLT) is complex and difficult to learn and use for those working with XML documents due to its intricate syntax and extensive documentation, posing a challenge for developers seeking to transform XML documents effectively.

Innovation Solution

A transformer tool that utilizes a transformation document with location information to apply extensible changes to a source XML document, producing a target document, while preserving formatting and allowing for custom extensions, thereby simplifying the transformation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If XSLT is used to transform XML documents, then transformation capability is provided, but complexity of learning and use increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation capabilityVSAvoidease of learning and use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the transformation language that mirrors the essential functionality of XSLT but with reduced syntax complexity. The transformation document uses a declarative format that is easier to read and write than traditional XSLT, while still achieving the same transformation results on XML documents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the transformation language by simplifying the syntax structure, using clearer element names, and adopting a more intuitive declarative format. This makes the language easier to learn and use while maintaining its transformation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If XSLT syntax is used, then powerful transformation operations are achieved, but syntax complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformation operationsVSAvoidsyntax complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transformation document into distinct, well-defined elements and attributes that each serve a specific purpose. This modular structure reduces syntax complexity by making the document easier to parse and understand, while still supporting powerful transformation operations through combinations of these segmented elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If transformation document with location information is used, then precise changes are indicated, but document structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of changesVSAvoiddocument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces location information as an intermediary element that bridges the transformation operations and the XML document structure. This intermediary uses standard XML path notation to precisely identify target locations without adding significant structural complexity to the transformation document itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9965453B2Document transformation

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to transforming documents. In aspects, a transformer obtains a source document and a transformation document. The transformation document indicates changes to make to the source document to transform the source document. The transformation document also includes location information that indicates where the changes are to be made. The transforms indicated by the transformation document may be extensible. Using the source document and the transformation document, the transformer transforms the source document into a target document. The transformer may be part of a development environment used to develop applications.