(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent N0.:
`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`Enenkiel
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`USOO8548939B2
`
`(54) NIETHODS, SYSTElVIS AND COMPUTER
`PROGRANIS FOR PROCESSING DATA INA
`
`WORLD-WIDE-WEB SERVICE
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Achim Enenkiel, Karlsruhe (DE)
`
`(73) Assrgnee: SAP AG, Walldorf (DE)
`‘
`:1:
`'
`.
`'
`'
`'
`) Notice.
`Subject. to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 642 days.
`
`(
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 11/108,644
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 19’ 2005
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2006/0047764 A1
`
`Mar. 2’ 2006
`
`(65)
`
`(30)
`
`6,604,135 B1
`6,850,950 B1 *
`7,707,120 B2 "V"
`2001/0049632 A1
`2002/0087583 A1*
`2003/0172090 A1*
`2004/0133479 A1 *
`2005/0065993 A1 *
`
`8/2003 Rogers et al
`............... 707/104.1
`2/2005 Clarke et al.
`4/2010 Dominguez et al.
`............ 705/78
`12/2001 Rigole
`................ 707/200
`7/2002 Morgan etal.
`9/2003 Asunmaaetal.
`707/200
`
`7/2004 Grove et al.
`.. 705/26
`.................. 709/200
`3/2005 Honda et al.
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0 969 430 Al
`1/2000
`1 081 617 A2
`3/2001
`W0 02/017191 A2
`$72002
`7
`T H T
`7
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`,
`_
`_
`Anders Tornqv1st et a1., “XML and Objectsithe future for e-Forms
`
`EP
`EP
`W0
`7
`
`on theWeb,” Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative
`Enterprises, 1999. (Wet Ice ‘99). Proceedings IEEE 8”“ International
`Workshops on Stanford, CA, USA, Jun. 16-18, 1999, Los Alamitos,
`CA, USA, IEEE Compt. Soc., US, Jun. 16, 1999, pp. 303-308.
`European Search Report, dated Dec. 3, 2004 (3 pages).
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(EP) ..................................... 04009396
`
`Apr. 21, 2004
`(51)
`Int. Cl.
`G06F 17/30
`(52) US. Cl.
`USPC ................ 707/607; 707/703; 705/77; 705/78
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,799,156 A >1
`1/1989 Shavit et a].
`.................... 705/26
`, 235/330
`4,947,028 A *
`3/1990 Gomg ,,,,,,,,,,,
`
`. 715/707
`5,317,688 A *
`5/1994 Watson et al.
`
`53835113 A :
`[/1995 Kight et 31‘
`705/40
`
`"""7327;;
`Isaifijfzteiléliu:
`23951451411 2 * 13133;
`..... 705/8
`5:991:733 A *
`11/1999 Aleia et 31.
`
`6,389,403 B1 *
`5/2002 Dorak, Jr.
`.
`705/52
`
`...................... 705/5
`6,442,526 B1 *
`8/2002 Vance et a1.
`
`Primary Examiner i Debbie Le
`(74) Attorney. Agent, or Firm 7 Finnegan, Henderson,
`Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Methods, systems and computer programs are provided for
`processing data in a web service environment. In accordance
`with one embodiment, a data processing method is provided
`that comprises: entering data values into respective data entry
`fields of an electronic data entry form of a first computer;
`entering an identifier of a web service into the first computer;
`initiating a data processing stage to be performed by a second
`computer on the basis of the data values entered into the
`electronic data entry form by the first computer; sending
`signalling data for signalling initiation ofthe data processing
`stage to a web service; and sending a result of the data pro—
`cessing stage to a third computer, the third computer being
`coupled to the web serviw
`
`29 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`10!
`
`103
`
`132
`
`Signalling data
`
`IT
`
`Eleclrnnic
`data entry
`lonn
`
`Processor
`Progrln
`
`Page 1 of 15
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`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1023
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`Page 1 of 15
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`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1023
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`

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`Oct. 1, 2013
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`US 8,548,939 B2
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`US. Patent
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`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 3 of5
`
`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`Receive an XML document
`
`300
`
`Read data values
`
`302
`
`Enter the data values into data entry fields
`
`304
`
`Initiate a data processing step on_
`the basis of the data values entered Into
`the electronic data entry form
`
`306
`
`Perform the data processing stage
`
`308
`
`Send the result of the data processing
`step to the third computer
`
`310
`
`First
`computer
`
`Second
`computer
`
`The WEb
`Service
`
`Receive the s' nall'n data b the
`Wells)! Serlvige
`y
`
`312
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Page 4 of 15
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`Oct. 1, 2013
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`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`1
`METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER
`PROGRAMS FOR PROCESSING DATA IN A
`WORLD-WIDE-VVEB SERVICE
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`
`
`DESCRIPTION OF TI IE INVENTION
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`The present invention generally relates to the field of data
`processing. More particularly, embodiments of the invention
`relate to methods, systems and computer programs for pro-
`cessing data in a World-Wide-Web ("WWW” or “web”) ser-
`vice environment.
`2. Background Infonnation
`The advent of web services has introduced the next gen-
`eration of network collaboration, allowing a variety of appli-
`cations to interact with other applications in a common goal
`of providing a desired service. In other words, a web service
`when activated performs a specific task and achieves a spe-
`cific result. The examples of common web services include
`currency conversions, flight schedule lookups, and language
`translation services. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,135
`discloses a method and system for locating web-based ser-
`vices.
`The fact that the web-based applications are readily avail-
`able to other web-based applications on the network allows
`almost
`instantaneous communication between the most
`
`remote users. Nevertheless, the reality involving a very large
`set of user population in a web service necessitates increased
`data control to avoid data inconsistencies and avoid the send-
`ing of duplicate data requests. Conventional approaches are
`not designed to provide the needed data control with pre-
`served flexibility and ease of administration in the new web
`service environments.
`
`require extensive
`existing methodologies
`Moreover,
`manual interaction and monitoring which consumes valuable
`human resources. The manual interaction is tedious and prone
`to errors. Thus, it would be advantageous to provide a solution
`that would remedy the problems ofknown methodologies and
`approaches.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Embodiments consistent with the present invention may
`provide data processing methods using a web service. In one
`embodiment, a first computer is used for the entry of data
`values into respective data entry fields of an electronic data
`entry form. Further, an identifier of the web service such as
`the uniform resource locator (URL) of the web service is
`entered into the first computer. Next, the first computer ini-
`tiates a data processing stage that is to be performed by a
`second computer on the basis of the data values entered into
`the electronic data entry form. Alternatively, the data process-
`ing stage is not to be performed by the second computer, but
`by the first computer or another component coupled to the
`first computer.
`The initiation and/or performance or completion of the
`data processing stage may be signalled to the web service by
`the sending ofcorresponding signalling data. Further, the web
`service may be coupled to a third computer that receives a
`result of the data processing stage from the second computer,
`e.g., in the form of an XML data stream.
`Advantageously, the third computer may be pre-wamed
`regarding reception of the result from the first or second
`computer. For example, the third computer can periodically
`query the web service for signalling data that has been
`received by the web service. Alternatively, the web service
`
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`2
`implements a push service for pushing information to the
`third computer in response to receipt of the signalling data.
`The signalling data that the third computer receives from the
`web service can be used in various ways forcontrol ofthe data
`processing performed by the third computer.
`In accordance with one embodiment, the web service can
`be an integral part of the third computer. In this instance, the
`third computer has a web services interface for receiving
`signalling data in accordance with, e.g., the HTTP request-
`response protocol and an internal interface to a data process—
`ing and/or control application for synchronous or asynchro-
`nous further processing of the signalling data.
`According to another embodiment, the web service is
`implemen ed on a separate web-server computer that
`is
`loosely or fixedly coupled to the third computer system. For
`example, he web service stores the signalling data that is
`addressed to the third computer in a data file. The resultant
`data file with the accumulated signalling data is forwarded
`from the web service to the third computer periodically, when
`the size 0 the file has reached a predetermined limit or at
`scheduled time intervals.
`In another embodiment, the web service is implemented as
`a hub anc collects signalling data for a plurality of third
`computer systems. In this instance, it is advantageous to store
`the signal ing data in a database of the web-server using a
`unique identifier ofthe third computer to which the signalling
`data is addressed as a database key. The database is queried
`periodical y for new signalling data that has been received for
`a given third computer in order to forward the new signalling
`data to the third computer.
`By way of example, embodiments of the present invention
`can be used for industrial control applications.
`In this
`instance, the first computer is used as a control terminal for
`entry of control parameters and/or control commands by an
`operator. The data processing stage performed by the second
`computer is an industrial control function that provides a
`result which is transmitted from the second computer to the
`third computer after completion of the control function. The
`third computer is another component ofthe industrial control
`system for performance ofanother control function. The third
`computer is pre-warned regarding the execution ofthe control
`function of the second computer by means of the signalling
`data received by the web service that is coupled to it. This
`information is used in the third computer as a control param-
`eter for execution of the third cornputer’s industrial control
`functionality.
`Another field of application for embodiments ofthe inven—
`tion is financial
`transactions. For example, a customer
`receives an invoice from a service provider. The invoice can
`be received by the customer in paper form or in electronic
`form, such as in the form of an XML document. The payment
`data is manually or automatically entered into the customer’ 5
`computer for initiation of the payment procedure. After
`completion of the data entry into the online payment transac-
`tion form, the payment data is transmitted to a second com-
`puter for execution of the payment. For example, the second
`computer is a computer of the customer’s bank. The result of
`the data processing stage performed by the bank’s computer,
`i.e., the execution of the payment, is transmitted as corre-
`sponding payment data to the third computer, i.e., a computer
`of the payee. When the payment procedure is initiated, the
`customer’s computer and/or the bank’s computer sends sig—
`nalling data to the web service that is coupled to the payee’s
`computer. Altematively, the customer mails a paper form for
`ordering payment from his or her account to his or her bank.
`In this instance, the payment order data is entered into the
`bank’s computer that takes the role of the first computer.
`
`Page 7 of 15
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`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`3
`As an alternative to signalling initiation of the payment
`procedure, the planned execution date of the payment proce—
`dure may be communicated to the web service in order to
`announce the pre-scheduled payment. This has the advantage
`that the payee’s computer can receive an early warning
`regarding the scheduled payment procedure. As a result, the
`sending of an unnecessary payment reminder can be avoided.
`Another advantage is that the scheduled payment can be
`entered into the payee computer’s financial planning system.
`As a consequence, the paycc’ s computer is prc-warncd that
`payment of an open invoice is imminent. This information
`can be used by the payee’s computer to avoid sending unnec-
`essary payment reminders for the purpose of financial plan-
`ning and/or other purposes.
`Another field of application for embodiment of the present
`invention is logistics and, inparticular, supply chain manage-
`ment. For example, a customer sends a purchase order to his
`or her distributor. The purchase order data is entered into the
`customer’s computer and the customer’s computer initiates
`processing of the purchase order data by the distributor’s
`computer. The customer’s and/or the distributor’s computer
`send(s) signaling data to a web service that is coupled to a
`manufacturer’s computer in order to pre-wam the manufac-
`turer regarding the purchase order. This information can be
`used by the manufacturer for production planning and, in
`particular, capacity planning and/or other manufacturing con-
`trol purposes. After completion of the execution of the pur-
`chasing order by the distributor, the computer of the manu-
`facturer receives a corresponding confirmation from the
`distributor’ s computer.
`In another application scenario, a customer sends an order
`to a supplier. This can be done in ordinary paper form by
`mailing the order or by electronically sending an XML-docu-
`ment or another electronic message to the supplier. The sup-
`plier completes the order regarding availability, delivery time
`and order number. Alternatively, the supplier forwards the
`customer’s order to a manufacturer which adds these details
`to the order. The commissioned order is sent to the web
`
`service of the customer. This has the advantage that the cus—
`tomer’ s logistic computer system is pre-warned regarding the
`scheduled delivery time of the ordered product for optimiza-
`tion of its supply chain management.
`In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
`the data values that are entered into the electronic data entry
`form provided by the first computer are received in electronic
`form, such as by means of an XML document. Further, the
`identifierofthe web service is also received in electronic form
`by the first computer. In addition to the identification of the
`web service,
`the XML document can also comprise the
`WSDL (web service description language) description of the
`identified web service. It is to be noted that WSDL and UDDI
`are known and standardized, as evidenced by websites,
`including, for example MICROSOFT® and W3®.
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
`the signalling data for signalling initiation of the data pro-
`cessing stage is directly sent from the first computer to the
`web service. Alternatively, the signalling data is sent from the
`second computer to the web service.
`In accordance with yet another embodiment, the signalling
`data comprises an identifier of the second computer. The
`signalling data may be stored in a database provided by the
`web service using the identifier ofthe third computer as a key.
`The third computer can periodically query the web service’ s
`database in order to check if signalling data has been received
`and stored in the database. This can be implemented both as
`a push or a pull service of the web service.
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`It is to be noted that a database is not necessary for most
`applications. Rather, the signalling data may be stored in a
`data file by the web service. In such a case, the data file with
`the accumulated signalling data is transmitted, e.g., after pre-
`scheduled time intervals to the third computer.
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
`the signalling data comprises a time stamp that indicates the
`time when the data processing step has been initiated or
`performed. The time information can be used as an additional
`control parameter by the third computer.
`In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
`invention, a computer network, such as the Internet, an intra-
`net or an extranet, provides the communication means for
`operatively coupling the first, second and third computers as
`well as the web service to the third computer.
`According to another embodiment of the invention, the
`XML document is received by the first computer from the
`third computer. The XML document comprises data values
`and mark-up data being descriptive of the assignment of the
`data values to respective data entry fields of an electronic data
`entry form and an identifier of a web service.
`In one embodiment, an XML document is received from a
`sender computer by a first computer, the XML document
`containing data values, mark-up data being descriptive ofthe
`assignment of data values to data entry fields of an electronic
`data entry form and an identifier of a web service,
`The data values may be read by the first computer and
`entered into respective data entry fields of an electronic data
`entry form identified by the mark-up data.
`In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,
`a data processing stage is initialized on the basis of the data
`values entered into the electronic data entry form by the first
`computer and performance of the data processing stage is
`achieved using a second computer. The reading of the data
`values and the entering of the data values into respective data
`entry fields of an electronic data entry form may be performed
`as a result of a drag and drop action executed in a Graphical
`User Interface (GUI) environment. Then, the result ofthe data
`processing stage is sent to the sender computer by the second
`computer, and signaling data for signaling initiation of the
`data processing step is sent by the first computer to the web
`service.
`In accordance with another embodiment of the invention,
`the XML document may include a control parameter utilized
`for execution of the data processing stage and the identifier of
`the web service may comprise an Uniform Resource Locator
`(URL). Further, each signalling data may comprise at least
`one of the data values, a time stamp identifying a date and
`time when at least one of the data values is sent, and an
`identifier identifying the sender computer.
`In accordance with a filrther embodiment of the invention,
`the data processing may include an account payment proce-
`dure and the account payment procedure may include a rebate
`fcaturc.
`Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention
`may be used in applications where an early warning of a
`recipient’s computer system regarding execution or sched—
`uled execution of a data processing task to be perforrnedby an
`external computer system positively impacts the recipient’s
`computer system ability to execute its data processing tasks
`be it for the purposes of logistics such as supply chain man—
`agement,
`industrial automation and control, or financial
`applications to name a few applications. In addition to the
`positive impact on the recipient’s computer system perfor-
`mance, embodiments of the present invention may enable
`ulmecessary overheads to be avoided, like the sending of
`
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`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`5
`unnecessary reminders or other messages from the recipient’ s
`computer system to one of the other involved computer sys—
`tems or involved parties.
`In accordance with yet another embodiment of the inven-
`tion, a user friendly feature of a drag and drop function is
`provided to dynamically capture the data values that become
`available as a result of the utilization of the web service by a
`first computer. As a result, it is possible to instantaneously
`initiate the data processing performed by the second corn-
`puter. Further, human error is eliminated on the side of the
`receiving party.
`In consequence, embodiments of the present invention
`may provide improved end-to-end data processing in a web
`service environment and improved data control and monitor-
`ing without the loss of flexibility or speed of processing.
`Moreover, embodiments of the invention are applicable to a
`wide variety of web services, including online banking solu-
`tions.
`Additional objects and advantages ofembodiments consis-
`tent with the invention will be set forth in part in the descrip-
`tion which follows, and in part will be obvious from the
`description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of
`the invention. The objects and advantages of embodiments of
`the invention will be realized and attained by means of the
`elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the
`appended claims.
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
`description and the following detailed description are exem-
`plary and explanatory only and are not restrictive ofthe inven-
`tion, as claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`
`
`The accompanying drawings, whic1 are incorporated in
`and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodi—
`ments of the invention and together with the description,
`serve to explain principles consistent with the present inven-
`tion. In the drawings:
`F G. 1 illustrates an exemplary data processing system for
`processing data values received from a sender computer in a
`web-based service environment, consistent with an embodi-
`ment of the present invention;
`F G. 2 illustrates a more detailed diagram of an exemplary
`data processing system for processing data values received
`from a sender computer in a web-based service environment,
`consistent with an embodiment of the present invention;
`F G. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process, consistent
`with an embodiment of the present invention;
`F G. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a financial
`system for processing account information obtained from a
`senc er computer in a web -based service environment; and
`F G. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a further exemplary
`embodiment of a data processing system consistent with the
`principles of the invention.
`
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of
`the invention, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accom-
`panying drawings. Wherever possible,
`the same reference
`numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the
`same or like parts.
`Embodiments of the present invention are applicable to
`many different industries. One skilled in the art will appreci-
`ate that various embodiments and concepts of the invention
`are applicable to a wide array of industries without straying
`from the spirit and principles of the present invention.
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`Page 9 of 15
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`6
`FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data processing system,
`consistent with an embodiment of the present invention. In
`the example of FIG. 1, a third computer 100 is coupled
`through a network 103 with a first computer 104, a second
`computer 106 and web service(s) 108. An XML document
`102 is sent from the third computer 100, comprising a pro-
`cessor 136 and a program 138, to the first computer 104.
`The first computer 104 includes a processor 125 and a
`program 127 which further comprises a reading module 120,
`and an initiation module 124. The reading module 120 serves
`to capture data values 110 included in the XML document
`102 and to enter these data values into respective data entry
`fields of an electronic data entry form 122 identified by the
`mark up data 112. The initiation module 124 serves to invoke
`a second computer 106 in order to begin the data processing
`step.
`The XML document 102 comprises a set of data values 110
`and a mark-up data 112 being descriptive ofthe assignment of
`data values to data entry fields of an electronic data entry
`form.
`
`The second computer 106 includes a processor 107 and a
`program 109. The program 107 includes a data processing
`module 111 responsible for processing ofthe data values 110.
`When the second computer completes the data processing
`stage, it sends the result 130 ofthe data processing stage to the
`third computer 100 over the network 103. Also, signalling
`data 132 is sent by the first computer 104 to the web service
`108.
`Alternatively, the data processing stage is not performed by
`the second computer 106, but by the first computer 104.
`In operation, the XML document 102 is received by the
`first computer 104 from a third computer 100. The processor
`125 executes a program 127 which in tum starts the reading of
`data values 110 contained in the XML document 102. Then,
`the data values are entered automatically into respective data
`entry fields of an electronic data entry fonn 122 identified by
`the mark-up data 1 1 2. The capture of data values into the data
`fields of the electronic data form is accomplished by the
`utilization ofreading module 120 allowing automatic capture
`of data values into the plurality of fields of an electronic data
`entry form 122. Alternatively, the data is entered manually.
`Next, a program 127 having an initiation module 124 starts
`the data processing stage by invoking the second computer
`106. The second computer’s processor 107 executes a pro-
`gram 109 having a data processing module 109 which on the
`basis of the data values entered into the electronic data entry
`form by the first computer performs the data processing stage
`ending in a result 130 being sent to the third computer 100
`over the network 103.
`
`Simultaneously, the first computer sends the signalling
`data 132 to the web service 108, where the signalling data is
`stored in the database ofthe web service 108. The signalling
`data is then further utilized for the controlling of the process-
`ing of the result 130 by the third computer 100, where the
`processor 136 executes the program 138 in order to determine
`when the result 130 is arriving from the second computer 106.
`It is to be noted that the signalling data 132 can also be
`transmitted from the second computer 106 to the web service
`108 via network 103 for signalling initiation or completion of
`the data processing stage performed by the data processing
`module 111. Further, it is to be noted that XML document 1 02
`can be provided by a forth computer that is not shown in FIG.
`1. In other words, the source of the XML document 102 and
`the receiver of result 130 do not need to be identical. In fact,
`the third and forth computers can belong to different organi—
`zational entities.
`
`Page 9 of 15
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`US 8,548,939 B2
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`7
`Further, it is to be noted that it is not essential for the present
`invention that the data values 110 are received in an electronic
`
`form. Embodiments of the present invention are also appli-
`cable to scenarios where the data values are received in paper
`form for scanned or manual entry into the electronic data
`entry form 122.
`FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed diagram of an exemplary
`data processing system for processing of the data values
`received from a sender computer in a web-based service
`cnvironmcnt, consistcnt with an cmbodimcnt of thc present
`invention. The embodiment of FIG. 2 constitutes a logical
`continuation of FIG. 1 where like elements are referenced by
`like reference numbers having added a value of “100.”
`As shown in FIG. 2, a third computer 200 including a
`processor 236, a program 238, and a plurality ofmodules 240
`to 244 is provided. The third computer 200 transmits an XML
`document 202 to a first computer 204. The XML document
`comprises a control paramctcr 216, an idcntificr of the web
`service (URL) 214, a set of data values 210, and mark-up data
`212.
`
`Altematively, the document is received in ordinary paper
`form by a user of the first computer 204. In this case, the user
`needs to scan the paper form or to manually enter the data
`values into the clcctronic form provided by the first computcr
`204.
`The first computer 204 includes a processor 225 and the
`program modules 227, 220 and 224. The program module 227
`comprises a reading module 220 that captures the data values
`210 and allows them to be entered into respective data entry
`fields including the compulsory fields of an electronic data
`entry form 222. The initiation module 224 serves to execute a
`data processing stage on the basis of the data values 210
`entered into the electronic data entry form 222 by the first
`computer 204. The initiation module 224 invokes a second
`computer 206 to start the data processing stage.
`The first computer 204 further comprises an interface 218
`that is designedto recogni7e the format ofthe XMI. document
`202. Program module 227 executes a function 229 that allows
`automatic filling out of the electronic data entry form 222 on
`the basis of the XML document’s format. The automatic
`filling out of the form is performed when the user uses the
`drag and drop functionality 226 available in the graphical user
`interface environment 228.
`The second computer 206 includes a processor which
`serves to execute program modules 209 and 211. Program
`module 209 has a data processing module 211 that is respon—
`sible for the processing of the data values. The result of the
`data processing step is sent to a third computer 200 utilizing
`a network 203. In the next step, the first computer 204 sends
`signalling data 232 to the web service 208 over the network
`203.
`The signalling data 232 comprises at least one ofthe data
`values 210, a time stamp 235, identifying a date and a time
`when at lcast one of thc data valucs is sent, as wcll as scndcr
`identifier 234. The web service 208 comprises a database 205
`for storage of signalling data 232.
`In operation, utilizing a network 203, a third computer 200
`sends an XML document 202 to the first computer 204. The
`XML document comprises a plurality of data values 210 and
`a control parameter 216 utilized for execution of the data
`processing stage, as well as identifier of a web service (URL)
`214 and the mark-up data 212 being descriptive of the assign-
`ment of data values to the data entry fields of an electronic
`data entry form. The control parameter 216 offers a rule that
`is executed by the first’s computer program 227 in order to
`determine the amount of the result 230. The data values are
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`captured into the respective data entry fields 223 of an elec-
`tronic data entry form 222 utilizing a reading module 220.
`Then, the initiation module 224 invokes the second com-
`puter 206 and thus begins the data processing stage, whereby
`the user is able to control when the data values of the XML
`
`document are entered into the electronic data entry form by
`using drag and drop functionality 226. In one embodiment, it
`happens in such a way that in the graphical user interface 228
`the user moves an icon of anXML document into the software
`
`containing the program 227 and, thus, the initiation module
`224 is activated.
`The processor 207 of the second computer 206 completes
`processing of data utilizing a data processing module 211.
`Thc result is sent to the third computer 200 utilizing the
`network 203. Simultaneously, the first computer sends the
`signalling data 232 to the web service 208, where the signal-
`ling data containing data values 210, the sender identifier 234,
`and the time stamp 235 is stored in the database 205 of the
`web service 208. Also, the control parameter 216 is commu-
`nicated to the web service by the signalling data 232.
`The signalling data 232 stored in the database 205 of the
`web service may be utilized for controlling the processing of
`the result 230. When the reminder module 244 determines
`that the result is overdue and that the reminder should be
`
`initiated it consults thc signalling data 232 in ordcr to find out
`if the result processing was initiated. If the result processing
`module 242 determines that signalling data contains the
`information that the data processing stage was initiated, the
`reminder module invokes a timer module 240 which is set for
`the predetermined amount oftime to allow for the processing.
`However, ifthe predetermined amount oftime expires and the
`result 230 still does not arrive, in this case the reminder
`module 244 initiates sending a reminder.
`FIG. 3 shows a flow chart an exemplary method, consistent
`with an embodiment of the invention.