XSLT Mapping Tool Single-View Interface for Node Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping tools for XML source and target documents using XSLT transformations are limited in displaying node mappings due to the presence of templates, making it difficult for users to understand how source nodes are transformed into target nodes without delving into the specifics of the XSLT code.
Innovation Solution
An XSLT mapping tool is developed that presents an interface showing direct mappings between source and target nodes, hiding the XSLT template code, and allowing users to view the source and target structures, with the option to see the specific template code for each mapping, using a web-based graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If XSLT templates are displayed in mapping tools, then users can see the transformation code, but users cannot efficiently determine node mappings without delving into code specifics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mapping relationship information from the XSLT template code and presents it separately in a graphical interface. The mapping tool displays source nodes, target nodes, and their connections without requiring users to read or parse the underlying XSLT templates, thus separating the mapping visualization from the transformation code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary graphical user interface that mediates between the XSLT templates and the user. This interface layer translates the template-based transformation logic into visual node mappings, allowing users to understand the transformation without interacting with the complex template code directly.
2Ease of operation
If XSLT template code is hidden in mapping tools, then users can view mappings more simply, but users cannot see the specific template code for each mapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information display into different levels: a primary graphical view showing node mappings, and a secondary detailed view showing the corresponding XSLT template code. Users can navigate between these levels through expandable/collapsible elements or separate panels, allowing them to access template information only when needed without cluttering the main mapping view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic interface where the level of detail can be adjusted. The mapping display can transition between a simplified node connection view and a detailed template code view, allowing users to adapt the information density according to their needs. This dynamic reconfiguration enables both simplicity and comprehensive information access.
3Loss of information
If mapping tools display both source and target structures, then users can understand transformation context, but the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where source nodes, target nodes, and their mappings are organized in a hierarchical manner. The graphical interface can display the source document structure, target document structure, and the mapping relationships between them in a nested arrangement, allowing users to understand the transformation context without requiring a completely separate complex interface for each element.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, arrangements for presenting an XSLT mapping tool is presented. A computer system may receive XML source code that includes a plurality of source nodes. The computer system may also receive XSLT code configured to transform the XML source code into XML target code. The XSLT code may include multiple templates. The computer system may use the multiple templates of the XSLT code and the XML source code to create XML target code. The XML target code may include a plurality of target nodes. An interface of the XSLT mapping tool that displays mappings between the plurality of source nodes of the XML source code and the plurality of target nodes of the XML target code resulting from the multiple XSLT templates may be presented.