a2) United States Patent
`US 8,548,939 B2
`(0) Patent No.:
`Oct. 1, 2013
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Enenkiel
`
`US008548939B2
`
`(54) METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER
`PROGRAMSFOR PROCESSING DATAIN A
`WORLD-WIDE-WEB SERVICE
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Achim Enenkiel, Karlsruhe (DE)
`
`(73) Assignee: SAP AG, Walldorf (DI)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USC. 154(b) by 642 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/108,644
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 19, 2005
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2006/0047764 Al
`Mar. 2, 2006
`
`(65)
`
`(30)
`
`6,604,135 Bl
`6,850,950 BL*
`7,707,120 B2*
`2001/0049632 Al
`2002/0087583 Al*
`2003/0172090 Al *
`2004/0133479 Al *
`2005/0065993 Al*
`
`8/2003 Rogerset al
`2/2005 Clarkeetal. oo. 707/104.1
`4/2010 Dominguezet al. 0.0... 705/78
`12/2001 Rigole
`7/2002 Morgan etal. 0.0.00. 707/200
`9/2003 Asunmaaetal.
`we 707/200
`7/2004 Grove etal.
`...
`. 705/26
`3/2005 Hondaetal. oe
`
`709/200
`
`EP
`EP
`WO
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0969 430 Al
`1/2000
`1081617 A2
`3/2001
`WO02/037393 A2
`§/2002
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Anders Tornqvistet al., “XML and Objects—the future for e-Forms
`on the Web,” 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
`
`Apr. 21, 2004
`
`(EP) ween 04009396
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GO6F 1730
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) US. CL
`USPC wee 707/607; 707/703; 705/77; 705/78
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete searchhistory.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,799,156 A *
`1/1989 Shavit et al. wes 705/26
`. 235/380
`4,947,028 A *
`8/1990 Gorog ...........
`
`. 715/707
`5,317,688 A *
`5/1994 Watson etal.
`
`«705/40
`5,383,113 A *
`1/1995 Kightetal.
`...
`12/1997 Rogers et al. cee 707/1
`5,701,451 A *
`
`9/1998 Sirbuetal. ....
`5,809,144 A *
`705/53
`woe 705/8
`5,991,733 A *
`11/1999 Aleia et al.
`
`.
`6,389,403 B1*
`5/2002 Dorak, Jr.
`705/52
`
`8/2002 Vanceet al. w.ccccsseen 705/5
`6,442,526 BL*
`
`Primary Examiner — Debbie Le
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — 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 methodis provided
`that comprises: entering data values into respective data entry
`fields of an electronic data entry form ofa first computer;
`entering anidentifier of a web serviceinto thefirst computer;
`initiating a data processing stage to be performed bya 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 ofthe data pro-
`cessing stage to a third computer, the third computer being
`coupled to the web service.
`
`29 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`132
`
`Signalling data
`
`108
`
`Electronic
`data entry
`form
`
`Processor
`
`Program
`
`'
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 1
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`
`
`Axueeyep
`
`UO}
`
`
`
` |
`
`2/U01}98}3
`
`cel
`
`
`
`eyepBuyjjeubis
`
`
`
`ajnpowBulsseoudeyeg
`
`
`
`Jayndwioypuosas
`
`J08S3901q
`
`wesBoig
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 2
`
`SOIAIISGaN
`
`¢0I
`
`80
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 2
`
`

`

`977douppueBeg
`
`Ayjeuonoury
`
`jsl4
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
`dwejsawiy
`
`
`
`
`
`Jaljnuaplsapuegaseqejeg
`
`
`
`sanjeab12q
`
`
`
`eyepBuijjeubis
`
`802
`
`
`
`BdIMaSqeAA
`
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`puosas 622
` yayndwog
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`LheajnpowBulsseoo.deyeg
`
`ad
`
`eee
`
`
`
`Spiel}]Anuaeyeg
`
`2101398]
`
`
`WO}BdIAJaSqa
`
`
`AjuaeyepB40Jelj}Uap]
`
`Jayndwiog
`
`JOSS9901q
`
`wesboig
`
`
`
`eyepdn-yuey
`
`¢Old
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 3
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`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
`
`First
`computer
`
`Second
`computer
`
`Sendthe result of the data processing
`step to the third computer
`
`The Web
`Service
`
`Receivethe signalling data by the
`Web Service
`
`310
`
`312
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 4
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`eyep
`
`SanjeAByegBIIAIISGa
`Guiyeubis 80P
`
`
`
`
`
`coh Spal
`
`91U01}99/39EP
`AyuaeleStr
`
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`8¢b
`
`cep
`
`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`6eP
`
`JaalaoadjsanbadjuawAeg
`
`WO
`
`quaejeq
`
`doppueBeiq
`Ayyeuonoun
`
`
`
`jsanbayyuawAeg
`
`
`
`
`
`ainpowBuissadoidjuawieg
`
`J0SS9901q
`
`wesBoig
`
`y‘Sls
`
`Jaynduio5
`
`yueg ajnpow
`
`Japulway
`
`sjunoooy
`
`ajqeaiaoa,
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 5
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 1, 2013
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 8
`
`948,939 B2
`
`0S0S
`
`
`eyepjuowAed/¥aaheg|——>
`
`poteeyep
`saynduioseakeg00S
`
`
`weajsAsBuluuejd
`gwajsisywajsis
`
`
`quewAedaakedQ|aeAeg
`qieekeg|)llJajndwoo
`eosC009S
`gsg~|_weiBoig|
`rag|juasiesuwore|ogg
`
`Jayndwosaakeg00S
`eyepyuawAeg|——>
`
`CSS—sAaANas-qom
`
`
`
`
`
`{|4a}ndwWo9Jaheg|4ayndwosJakeg
`
`Cas
`
`BuryuegBupjuegLOS
`wesboidwelbod
`
`
`
`
`€0S
`
`S8d|M9S
`
`S08}19]U]
`
`JOSS9901q
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`JayndwooyuegJayndwiooyueg
`
`jeloueul4
`
`¢‘Old
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 6
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 6
`
`
`
`
`

`

`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`1
`METHODS, SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER
`PROGRAMSFOR PROCESSING DATA IN A
`WORLD-WIDE-WEB SERVICE
`ENVIRONMENT
`
`
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THLE INVENTION
`
`1. Technical Field
`
`The present invention generallyrelates to the field of data
`processing. Moreparticularly, 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 Information
`The advent of web services has introduced the next gen-
`eration ofnetwork collaboration, allowing a variety ofappli-
`cations to interact with other applications in a commongoal
`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 webservices 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.
`Thefact 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,
`manualinteraction and monitoring which consumes valuable
`human resources. The manualinteraction is tedious and prone
`to errors. Thus, it would be advantageousto provide a solution
`that would remedythe 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. 'urther, 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 onthe basis of the data values entered into
`the electronic data entry form. Alternatively,the data process-
`ing stageis 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 ofcorrespondingsignalling 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-warned
`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
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`5
`
`60
`
`65
`
`
`
`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 computerreceives from the
`webservice can be used in various waysfor control 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 protocoland 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
`implemented on a scparate web-server computer that
`is
`loosely or fixedly coupled to the third computer system. For
`example,
`the 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 webserviceto the third computer periodically, when
`the size of
`the file has reached a predetermined limit or at
`scheduled time intervals.
`In another embodiment, the web service is implemented as
`a hub and collects signalling data for a plurality of third
`computer systems. In this instance,it is advantageousto store
`the signalling data in a database of the web-server using a
`unique identifier ofthe third computerto whichthesignalling
`data is addressed as a database key. The database is queried
`periodically for newsignalling 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 commandsby an
`operator. The data processing stage performed by the second
`computer is an industrial control function that provides a
`result whichis transmitted from the second computer to the
`third computer after completion of the control function. The
`third computeris another componentofthe industrial control
`system for performanceofanothercontrol function. The third
`computeris pre-warned regarding the executionofthe control
`function of the second computer by meansofthe signalling
`data received by the web service that is coupled to it. ‘his
`information is used in the third computer as a control param-
`eter for execution of the third computer’s industrial control
`functionality.
`Anotherfield ofapplication for embodiments ofthe inven-
`tion is financial
`transactions.
`I'or 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, suchas in the form of an XML document. The payment
`data is manually or automatically entered into the customer’s
`computer for initiation of the payment procedure. After
`completion of the data entry into the online paymenttransac-
`tion form, the payment data is transmitted to a second com-
`puter for execution of the payment. For example, the second
`computer is a computerof the customer’s bank. The result of
`the data processing stage performed by the bank’s computer,
`ie., the execution of the payment, is transmitted as corre-
`sponding paymentdata 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 sendssig-
`nalling data to the web service that is coupled to the payee’s
`computer. Alternatively, the customer mails a paper form for
`ordering paymentfrom his or her accountto 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.
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 7
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 7
`
`

`

`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
`announcethe 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.
`Asa consequence, the payee’s computer is pre-warned that
`payment of an open invoice is imminent. This information
`can be used bythe payee’s computer to avoid sending unnec-
`essary payment reminders for the purposeoffinancial plan-
`ning and/orother purposes.
`Anotherfield of application for embodimentof the present
`inventionis logistics and, in particular, supply chain manage-
`ment. For example, a customer sends a purchase orderto his
`or herdistributor. The purchaseorder data is entered into the
`customer’s computer and the customer’s computer initiates
`processing of the purchase order data bythe 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-warn 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 bythe 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 orderor by electronically sending an XML-docu-
`mentor another electronic message to the supplier. The sup-
`plier completesthe 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
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`30
`
`35
`
`service of the customer. This has the advantage that the cus-
`tomer’s logistic computer systemis pre-warned regarding the
`scheduled delivery time of the ordered product for optimiza-
`tion of its supply chain management.
`In accordance with another embodimentof the invention,
`the data values that are entered into the electronic data entry
`form providedbythefirst computer are received in electronic
`form, such as by means of an XML document. Further, the
`identifier ofthe webserviceis also received in electronic form
`bythe first computer. In addition to the identification of the
`web service,
`the XML document can also comprise the 5
`WSDL(webservice description language) description ofthe
`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 embodimentofthe invention,
`the signalling data for signalling initiation of the data pro-
`cessing stage is directly sent from the first computer to the
`webservice. Alternatively, the signalling data is sent from the
`second computer to the web service.
`Tn accordancewith 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
`webservice using the identifier ofthe third computeras a key.
`The third computer can periodically query the web service’s
`databasein orderto checkif signalling data has been received
`and stored in the database. This can be implemented both as
`a pushor a pull service of the web service.
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`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 sucha case,the datafile with
`the accumulated signalling data is transmitted,e.g., after pre-
`scheduled time intervals to the third computer.
`Tn accordancewith a further embodimentofthe invention,
`the signalling data comprises a time stampthat indicates the
`time when the data processing step has been initiated or
`performed. The time information can be used asan additional
`control parameter by the third computer.
`In accordance with a further preferred embodimentof the
`invention, a computer network, such as the Internet, an intra-
`net or an extranet, provides the communication means for
`operatively couplingthefirst, second and third computers as
`well as the web serviceto the third computer.
`According to another embodiment of the invention, the
`XML documentis received bythe first computer from the
`third computer. The XML document comprises data values
`and mark-up data being descriptive of the assignmentofthe
`data valuesto respective data entryfields of an electronic data
`entry form and an identifier of a web service.
`In one embodiment, an XML documentis received from a
`sender computer bya first computer, the XML document
`containing data values, mark-up data being descriptive ofthe
`assignmentof data values to data entry fields of an electronic
`data entry form and an identifier of a web service.
`‘The data values maybe read by the first computer and
`entered into respective data entry fields of an electronic data
`entry formidentified by the mark-up data.
`In accordance with a further embodimentofthe invention,
`a data processing stage is initialized on the basis of the data
`values entered into the electronic data entry form by thefirst
`computer and performance of the data processing stage is
`achieved using a second computer. The reading of the data
`values andthe entering ofthe 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
`UserInterface (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 embodimentof the invention,
`the XML document may include a control parameter utilized
`for execution of the data processing stage andthe identifier of
`the web service may comprise an Uniform Resource Locator
`(URL). Turther, 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 further embodimentof the invention,
`the data processing mayinclude an account payment proce-
`dure and the account payment procedure mayinclude a rebate
`feature.
`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 processingtask to be performed byan
`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 fewapplications. In addition to the
`positive impact on the recipient’s computer system perfor-
`mance, embodiments of the present invention may enable
`unnecessary overheads to be avoided, like the sending of
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 8
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 8
`
`

`

`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`5
`unnecessary remindersor other messages from the recipient’ s
`computer system to one of the other involved computer sys-
`temsor involved parties.
`In accordance with yet another embodimentof the inven-
`tion, a user friendly feature of a drag and drop function is
`provided to dynamically capture the data values that become
`availableas 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 com-
`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 monitar-
`ing without the loss of flexibility or speed of processing.
`Morcover, embodiments of the invention are applicable to a
`wide variety of web services, including online banking solu-
`tions.
`Additional objects and advantages of embodiments 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.
`
`30
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`
`
`The accompanying drawings, which 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:
`FIG.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-
`mentof the present invention;
`FIG.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 embodimentofthe present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process, consistent
`with an embodimentof the present invention;
`FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodimentofa financial
`system for processing account information obtained from a 5
`sender computer in a web-based service environment; and
`FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a further exemplary
`embodimentof a data processing system consistent with the
`principles of the invention.
`
`
`
`40
`
`45
`
`
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of
`the invention, examples ofwhichare illustrated in the accom-
`panying drawings. Wherever possible,
`the same reference
`numbers will be used throughout the drawingsto refer to the
`sameorlike 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.
`
`6
`FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data processing system,
`consistent with an embodimentof 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 thefirst computer 104.
`The first computer 104 includes a processor 125 and a
`program 127 which further comprises a reading module 120,
`and aninitiation 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. Theinitiation 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 turnstarts 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 form 122 identified by
`the mark-up data 112. 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 bythe first computer performsthe 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 of the 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
`whenthe 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 mitiation or completion of
`the data processing stage performed by the data processing,
`module 111. Further,it is to be noted that XML document102
`can be provided by a forth computerthat 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-
`zationalentities.
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 9
`
`Booking, Exh. 1049, Page 9
`
`

`

`US 8,548,939 B2
`
`7
`Further,it is to be noted thatit is not essential for the present
`inventionthat the data values 110 are received in an electronic
`
`form. Embodiments of the present invention are also appli-
`cable to scenarios wherethe data valuesare 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
`containing the program 227 and, thus, the initiation module
`environment, consistent with an embodimentof the present
`224 is activated.
`invention. The embodiment of FIG. 2 constitutes a logical
`The processor 207 of the second computer 206 completes
`continuation of FIG. 1 where like elements are referenced by
`processing of data utilizing a data processing module 211.
`like reference numbers having addeda value of “100.”
`The result is sent to the third computer 200 utilizing the
`15
`As shown in FIG. 2, a third computer 200 including a
`network 203. Simultaneously, the first computer sends the
`processor 236, a program 238, andaplurality ofmodules 240
`signalling data 232 to the web service 208, where the signal-
`to 244 is provided. The third computer 200 transmits an XML
`ling data containing data values 210, the sender identifier 234,
`document 202 to a first computer 204. The XML document
`and the time stamp 235 is stored in the database 205 of the
`comprises a control parameter 216, an identificr of the web
`webservice 208. Also, the control parameter 216 is commu-
`service (URL) 214, a set of data values 210, and mark-up data
`nicated to the web service bythe signalling data 232.
`212.
`The signalling data 232 stored in the database 205 of the
`webservice may beutilized 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
`
`Alternatively, the document is received in ordinary paper
`form by a userof the first computer 204. In this case, the user
`needs to scan the paper form or to manually enter the data
`initiated it consults the signalling data 232 in orderto find out
`valuesinto the electronic form provided by thefirst computer
`204.
`if the result processing was initiated. If the result processing
`module 242 determines that signalling data contains the
`The first computer 204 includes a processor 225 and. the
`information that the data processing stage wasinitiated, the
`program modules 227, 220 and 224. lhe program module 227
`reminder module invokes a timer module 240 whichis set for
`comprises a reading module 220 that captures the data values
`the predetermined amount oftimeto allow for the processing.
`210 and allows themto be entered into respective data entry
`However,ifthe predetermined amountoftime expires and the
`fields including the compulsory fields of an electronic data
`result 230 still does not arrive, in this case the reminder
`entry form 222. Theinitiation module 224 serves to execute a
`module 244 initiates sending a reminder.
`data processing stage on the basis of the data values 210
`FIG. 3 showsa flow chart an exemplary method, consistent
`entered into the electronic data entry form 222 by thefirst
`with an embodimentof the invention. In step 300, an XML
`computer 204. The initiation module 224 invokes a second
`
`computer 206 to start the data processing stage. documentis received from a sender computerbyafirst com-
`Thefirst computer 204 further comprises an interface 218
`puter, the XML document containing data values, and mark-
`that is designed to recognize the formatofthe XMI. document
`up data being descriptive of the assignment of data values to
`202. Program module 227 executes a function 229 that allows
`data entry fields of an electronic data entry form and an
`automatic filling out of the electronic data entry form 222 on
`identifier of a webservice. In the next step 302,the data values
`the basis of the XML document’s format. The automatic
`contained in the XML document are read by the reading,
`filling out of the form is performed whenthe user uses the
`module. In step 304, the data values are entered inta respec-
`drag and drop functionality 226 available in the graphical user
`tive data entryfields of an electronic data entry form identi-
`interface environment 228.
`fied by the mark-up data by the first computer. In step 306, a
`The second computer 206 includes a processor which
`dala processing slaye is initialed on the basis of the data
`serves to execute program modules 209 and 211. Program
`values entered into the electronic data entry form by thefirst
`module 209 has a data processing module 211 that is respon-
`computer. In step 308, the data processing step is performed
`sible for the processing of the data values. The result of the
`using a second computer.
`data processing step is sent to a third computer 200 utilizing
`Then,in the step 310, the result ofthe data processing stage
`a network 203. In the nextstep, the first computer 204 sends
`is sent to the sender computer by the second computer. In the
`signalling data 232 to the web service 208 over the network
`last step 312, signalling data is sent for signalling initiation of
`203.
`the data processing stage bythe first computer to the web
`service.
`The signalling data 232 comprises at least one ofthe data
`values 210, a time stamp 235, identifying a date and a time
`FIG.4 illustrates and another embodimentof a data pro-
`whenatIcast one of the data valuesis sent, as