Open Standard Voting Localization with CAM

- Localization Mechanisms- Publishing Localizations- Leveraging Open Standards - XSD ingesting

David RR WebberChair OASIS CAM TC(Content Assembly Mechanism)E-mail: drrwebber@acm.orghttp://wiki.oasis-open.org/cam

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Overview Goal is to promote the use of open

public standards for voting systems Develop in-country localizations from

standard international base set Provide common open public lexicon for

elections management and verification Leverage XML and open standards

approach, including NIEM* Provide developers with tools to aid

delivery, documenting and testing of solutions

*NIEM – National Information Exchange Model

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Approach Voting Localizations built from OASIS EML

EML has 29 pre-built components (schema) for voting processes Use desktop visual editor to pick components

Trim and select only what you need from each standard schema Desktop toolkit makes templates for the XML required

Generate localization details Automatically build XML components to use Build your own dictionary, compare to EML standard Create readable documentation of details

Test, Package and Publish The CAM desktop toolkit environment supports NIEM IEPD approach

Available as Open Source on SourceForge.net Implementation of the public OASIS CAM standard for schema

templates (camprocessor)

Localization Mechanisms

Creating a Country Voting Localization Package

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Localization Key Components

XML Schema

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1

3

4

DocumentationReadable information use details (HTML), EML cross-reference Spreadsheet

XML artifacts The localized schema and picklist.xml

Examples & Test CasesRealistic test XML instances for conformance and interoperability testing

Key components(aka IEPD*)

EML Schema XSD aligns voting information model, processes and domain dictionary

*IEPD – Information Exchange Package Documentation

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Localization Approach StepsEML

XMLXSD

Voting

Exchange

Manage

develop

1ingest

2 BaseCAM

Templatelocalize

3 RevisedCAM

Template

Generate

4 Local XMLXSD

Compare

5EML

Dictionary

Steps:1. OASIS develops standard international XSD schema

Implements the voting process, management and information exchange needs2. Ingest the standard XSD into base CAM template 3. Apply localizations to CAM template

Exclude unwanted optional components Align local exchange needs to standard Extend for local needs

4. Generate new localized XSD schema that conform to EML standard5. Build dictionary cross-reference of localization usage6. Publish documentation and examples

Publish

6 Documentation+

Examples

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Creating a Package for Localization Step 1 - Ingest EML XSD – rules, structure, annotations Step 2 - Select & mark out your use model in visual

editor - Save your “pick list” selections - Compress template to desired structure

Step 3 - Generate your localized use XSD schema subset

Step 4 - Generate and test rich concrete data examples (complete with content hints / pass / fail / random options)

- Run rules engine - Verify operation and outcomes

Step 5 - Build localization documentation of structure elements, usage, rules and cross-reference map

Step 6 – Package, Publish and Share (IEPD)

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Challenge: XSD schema has limitations! The schema contains the superset of voting exchange

component variations for every country XSD syntax does not have direct context mechanisms Hence people make everything in schema optional Dependencies are not clear It is difficult to understand the constructs and to document

the rules clearly for election authorities to verify It is hard to create test cases and instances (the “pick list”

tough to visualize) These are all limitations inherent in W3C Schema language

itself

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Completing Localization Picture:

Base EML XSD schema structure model CAM template + rules / refinements Documentation of use patterns (aka “pick list” +

subset XSD) Test cases and examples Content hinting (localization use data) Validation engine for unit and regression testing Open standard, open platform and open source

allows consistent agreements between participants

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Localization Package Use Scenario

Testing,Agreement /Alignment.

Validate

Templates

Report

DeveloperUses &Creates

Results

Test

Pass / Fail

XMLhtml

32

4

Test Cases

XML

Package

StructureRulesContextExamplesDocumentation

Publish

1

Verify Result Outcomes

XML

LocalizationContent

Hints

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Tutorial Base CAM templates – (ingesting XSD schema )

step by step example

Documenting the Localization Patterns Creating “pick list” selections Compressing template structure Subset XSD generation

Publishing Localization package Cross-reference spreadsheet Documentation reporting options Generate use dictionary

Testing and Conformance Creating Test Case examples Content Hinting Running Test Cases

Advanced Techniques

Base CAM Templates

(ingesting XSD Schema)Using jCAM editor Wizard

(http://www.jcam.org.uk)

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EML V6.0 provides base CAM templates Templates come pre-packaged in the EML V6

download

However, for completeness we show how to generate one…

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Ingesting XSD to CAM template format

EML xml

EML xsd

Localization

Commonxsd

Namespace

XML Schema

Components CIQ xsd

INGEST

Structure

Rules

Documentation

XSLT toolsprocess

entire EML XSDcollection

CAM = Content Assembly Mechanism

OASIS EML XSD Collection

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Step 1 & 2 – Pick the XSD schema to ingest

1

Choose File / New Template

First location is the rootfolder for the XSD collection.

Typically this is the same as the location for the XSD schema you want to ingest.

(Complex XSD can have this in separate folder; hence need for option)

2

Pick XSD

Specify XSD Location root directory

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Step 3 – Choose the XSD parent element

From the dropdown list pick the correct root element you wish to use (EML).

XSD’s may have more than one collection in them (as shown here) or may not have the parent node element cleanly defined.

The Wizard shows you the list of all possible ones it finds – so you can select and confirm the right one.

3Choose XSD parent element

Confirm and start the XSD ingesting

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Step 4 – Ingesting complete – Save Results

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Completed template is loaded and save dialogue appears

Processing usually takes a few seconds, some larger EML XSD can take a few minutes to process.

Tip: jCAM runs the ingesting as a background task – so you can continue to use the computer while such long ingesting is proceeding.

4

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Step 5 – Review ingested structure

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Completed template is shown in the structure navigator panel for review and editing

Template contains all the default content model and structure rules ingested from the XSD.

All annotations and documentation from XSD also ingested (show as “paperclip” symbol).

Code lists and typical content values inserted for easy visual reference.

Documenting the Localization Patterns

“Pick lists”, documentation and XSD subset generation

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Building a pick list

MARK WHATIS NOT

NEEDED

Structure

Rules

Documentation

Make pick list

DESIRED RESULTS

excludeditems

EML structure is

all inclusive!!!

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Marking Items for exclude - pick list Can exclude at all levels within the

structure excludeTree() excludeElement() excludeAttribute()

Use XPath operators to control scope: Specific node Group of nodes Anywhere occurs in structure Contextually based on condition

Can add new domain elements with own namespace to EML template

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Using Editor to mark Exclude items

Structure Editor Tools

Select focus on item

Invoke action menu (right mouse click)

Pick action

Tip: exclude rule display is context sensitive and only available on optional items

Tip: use “Add New Rule” mode to specify different XPath for exclude (quick mode assumes “current path”)

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Export and Save completed pick list

File Menu Option

Select Export / Pick List and then specify filename of destination.

Excluded items are designated with red “dot” in structure editor and italics font with no bold highlight

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Pick List Details

EXCLUDE FLAGVALUE

Exported Example

Pick lists provide a handy way to catalogue the localization model and can be re-used later by importing into other templates

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Compress OperationFile Menu Option

Select option and specify filename for new copy of your template.

Compress process removes all rules and structure items marked with an exclude statement.

Note: ignores excludes that have a conditional context expression (advanced section technique).

Note: You can retain both original and new compressed templates

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Extending the base EML schema In addition to excluding existing optional

components you may need to add new pieces

New pieces should be assigned their own extension namespace prefix – to identify them from the base EML components

Typically the OASIS EML committee will review new pieces as candidates for adding to future versions of the standard

• Send comments and suggestions to election-comment@lists.oasis-open.org

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Adding New Domain Elements

Select root element node in structure; right mouse click for context menu; select “Add Namespace”; then enter prefix and URI

1

Select element node in structure; right mouse click for context menu; select “Add Child Attribute / Element”; then enter prefix and name

2

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Generating your EML use schema Once your localization details are

completed you are ready to complete the remainder of the process

This starts with generating your own new subset schema

Then once schema details are OK – creating test cases, cross-reference spreadsheet and documentation

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Generating subset use schema

Select Export CAM as XSD menu option

1

File Menu Option

Confirm the location and filename, and namespace mode.

Select ‘default’ for Mode to write a regular import set of XSD schema for each namespace

2

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Schema subset generated

Set of XSD files with filename and namespace suffix

Each namespace file is import for those specific type definitions

Reviewing XSD results in a schema visual editor tool

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Information Restriction Considerations The CAM template allows full use of

XPath conditional expressions and a rich set of over 30 functions including: setNumberRange(), setLength(), setLimit(),

setDateMask(), setNumberMask(), restrictValues(), lookup()

Those that are compatible with XSD constraints will cause constraint schema assertions to be written out when exporting to schema

In the advanced topics section we will look at cross field validations using XPath conditional rules

Generating Testing and

Conformance Examples

Generating base examplesCustomizing content with HintsSelecting valid and invalid modesRunning rules validation check

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Test Case Generation Quick StartFile Menu Option

Default directory to write examples into

Name to be used for the examples

How many examples to createRepeating elements count

for Quick Test – just click “OK” to use default settings

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Test Case Results

Active links to view the generated examples

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Advanced Generation Options

How to handle optional items: all | random | none

If you want deliberate errors for fail testing; (will give variety of data and structure errors)

Use namespaces or not; if ‘false’ is

selected – then XML instances are

created with minimized

namespace usage. Optional content hints

(explained next )

Use slider to pick a specific seed value – or leave blank for random seed

Optional schema file validation link; use this to have example validate with EML schema or local subset schemaUse content type

or item name (name is useful for checking backend transform processing)

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Test Case Generator Feature Summary Make both Pass / Fail testing examples Content hinting so examples use real not fake data Test optional item logic with: all / random / none Uses exclude() assertions so does not include those

items – makes realistic examples of your use pattern Can pass in seed value – use when adding and testing

hints (each test case is labelled with its seed value) Make hundreds of test cases without manual editing Can link test case to XSD schema for structure tests You can modify XSLT tool for own testing needs

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Run CAM Rules Check on Examples

Pick Test Case Example to VALIDATE; click Finish to run validation rules

Review validation results

Run Menu Option

1

3

2

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Content Hinting Mechanisms Designed to create realistic data

examples Hints can be provided in two ways Firstly - using ‘Value’ notes in annotations

on specific items in the structure editor Second – create your own Hints XML file

and add matching rules to globally apply across your template(s) – e.g. FirstName, LastName, Address, BirthDate, etc.

Can export from one template, import into another

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First Approach: annotation Value Hints

Select focus on structure item

Invoke action menu (right mouse click)

Choose “Edit Annotations”

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Then add Value annotation item

Click on “Add New”, then enter “Value” as Type and confirm “OK”

Select “Value” tab

Enter values terminated with “|” character

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2

3

4

5 Re-run Example export to see results

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Second: Hints File Mechanism (XML file)

like / with partial name matching

key matching on tag name

key / parent path matching

use when same name occurs within different parents – e.g. Country and Person / NameElement with different content and context

use for exact match of items

3

2

1use for component match on items – e.g. first with name matches <nxnl:first_name>

Note: matching is case sensitive but ignores namespaces

TIP: can use Export Hints to create initial XML file for editing

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A- Using Examples Generator with Hints

Select XML hints file to be used here

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B- Import Hints into Annotations (merge)

set and select as needed

Option to auto-reload new anno file into current template

Documentation

Cross-Reference SpreadsheetDefault reporting options

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Generating Cross-Reference Spreadsheet Use Compare to Dictionary tool

Compare to default EML-V6-dictionary Drag and Drop XML file into Microsoft

Excel Review and save spreadsheet

workbook

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Dictionary Compare Tool

Select compare tool menu option

Browse and choose EML dictionary

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Drag and Drop to Excel Spreadsheet

ClickOK

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Documentation Layouts Five options

Source XML Component details (XML) Tabular format (HTML) Interactive web page (wiki) Code list

Tabular format page layout for data analyst use and designed to make rules and use patterns clear

Each documentation layout XSLT script can be customized as desired

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Tabular DocumentationDocumentation Menu Option

Select Format, resulting HTML opens in browser viewer

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Tabular HTML Content Details

EnhancedData typeLogic

Extended Code listhandling

Clear use pattern

XPath referencesandfunctions

Annotations

Summary

Ingesting XSD Creating use pattern (aka pick list) Generating test examples Hints system Generate XSD schema subset Running tests

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Localization Checklist Review

XML Schema

2

1

3

4

DocumentationReadable information use details (HTML), EML cross-reference Spreadsheet

XML artifacts The localized schema and picklist.xml

Examples & Test CasesRealistic test XML instances for conformance and interoperability testing

EML Schema XSD aligns voting information model, processes and domain dictionary

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Summary Capabilities covered

Ingesting XSD to Template Creating use pattern (aka pick list) Generating test examples Hints system Generate local use XSD schema subset Running tests Generating documentation and spreadsheets

Allows rapid localization development Enables consistent implementations Documentation provides clear details

on structures, content, rules and definitions

Cross-reference to EML standard

Advanced Techniques

Extending rules for actual use cases Using XPath selector wizard Handling ingestion recursion issues SourceForge XSLT repository

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Importing pick list operation

File Menu Option

Select Import and specify filename of your existing pick list xml.

Import process matches the path expressions in your pick list to the XPath expressions in the template.

Exclude statements generated for matching items.

Makes it easy to re-apply a pick list on new versions of schemas, or on similar schemas with same blocks of content – address, company, person, etc.

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Illustrative EML requirements

When Ballot type > 0 - AND Language code > 1

Require Ballot State = CA, NV, NM

When Registered Voters Total < 1000 - AND Ballots > 1000 Audit alerting

Resource Matching

Region Restriction

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Template rules syntax<as:BusinessUseContext> <as:Rules> <as:default> <as:context>

<as:constraint condition="//CastBallots /Total > ‘1000’ and( // RegisteredVoters /Total < ‘1000’)"

action="restrictValues(// CastBallots/Total, ‘Alert – possible audit required’) "/>

<as:constraint action="restrictValues(//eml:AdministrativeArea /eml:NameElement , 'CA|NV|NM')"/>

</as:context> </as:default> </as:Rules> </as:BusinessUseContext>

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XPath selector wizard

Check boxes allow user to select scope of rule action

Conditional context rules can be optionally used

Documentation notes can be added here

XPath syntax is automatically generated for you

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“CAM Kit” of XSLT tools used XSD 2 CAM

extracts structure and rules and builds template from schema

XML 2 pick list builds pick list from any XML instance (uses Level Depth

setting) CAM 2 Examples

Generates a collection of XML instance test cases Import/Export Hints

Manage and apply content hinting across CAM templates CAM 2 XSD export

Creates a subset XSD from CAM template

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SourceForge XSLT svn repository Using any svn client the XSLT scripts

can be retrieved from: https://camprocessor.svn.sourceforge.net/svnroot/

camprocessor/camed/uk.org.jcam.camed/trunk/xsl/

Resources

Selection of useful links and additional technical details

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Simple EML 440 Example Example using the EML 440 cast vote

schema Simplified to minimum requirements Example can be downloaded here:

http://markmail.org/message/qyrpfq75mtctblyq

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www.oasis-open.org/committees/election

docs.oasis-open.org/election

www.oasis-open.org/committees/cam

wiki.oasis-open.org/cam

docs.oasis-open.org/cam

www.jcam.org.uk

Resources: