Alphanumeric Reference Number Expansion Utility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organizations face challenges in expanding the range of unique reference numbers without increasing data storage requirements, as existing systems often become obsolete or run out of unique IDs, and using text in numeric reference numbers is not supported by fixed-length data storage formats like BCD.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating letters A-Z into numeric reference numbers, allowing the use of text in the lead position, and employing a reference number expansion utility to convert between numeric and alphanumeric formats, enabling the same data storage length to accommodate a significantly larger range of unique reference numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If text is used to expand the range of reference numbers, then the range of unique reference numbers increases, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds alphanumeric characters within the existing fixed-length data storage structure. The expansion utility converts alphanumeric reference numbers into a compressed numeric format that fits within the original storage constraints, effectively nesting the expanded reference space within the existing storage framework without requiring additional storage space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space by allowing alphanumeric characters (A-Z) to be used in the reference number format, expanding the possible values from 100,000 to 2,600,000 unique IDs. The expansion utility then transforms these alphanumeric values into compressed numeric representations that maintain the original fixed-length storage requirement
2Weight of stationary object
If a 5-digit employee ID number system is used, then data storage space is conserved, but the number of available unique employee IDs is limited to 100,000
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the reference number system by incorporating alphanumeric characters (A-Z) alongside numeric digits. This dimensional expansion allows the system to represent more unique values (up to 2,600,000) within the same fixed-length storage constraint, effectively adding a dimension to the reference number space without increasing storage requirements
3Quantity of substance
If reused expired employee ID numbers are used to address reference number depletion, then the shortage is temporarily fixed, but data processing problems arise due to confusion with ex-employees
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the expansion utility to generate and validate unique alphanumeric reference numbers before they are assigned to employees. This ensures that newly assigned IDs are distinct from existing and previously used IDs, preventing confusion and ensuring data processing accuracy from the outset rather than attempting to manage conflicts after they arise
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system are disclosed for expanding a reference number range without altering existing data storage length. Such reference numbers may include employee numbers, social security numbers, customer account numbers, and the like. The method/system takes advantage of the way decimal numbers are stored by computers to allow text to be used in numeric reference numbers. In one implementation, letters A-Z are used for the leftmost position, increasing the domain count of reference numbers from 10 to 36 for that position. A reference number expansion utility is then used to convert the additional reference numbers to and from the existing data storage format.