Data Analysis Engine Variable Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional data analysis systems require extensive reprogramming and costly updates due to hardcoded variables, leading to inefficiencies and delayed updates, particularly in dynamic fields like tax software where laws and regulations frequently change.

Innovation Solution

An analysis engine that separates variables and formulas into distinct files, allowing updates to these files without modifying the engine itself, enabling non-programmers to perform updates and facilitating efficient, cost-effective data analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If variables are hardcoded into the software, then the system structure is simple and easy to maintain, but the system cannot be updated easily when data changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to update variablesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the software into two distinct segments: a fixed engine component that contains the analysis logic, and external data files (such as CSV files) that store variables and formulas. This segmentation allows the data files to be updated independently without modifying the engine code, thereby enabling easy updates while maintaining a simple engine structure. The engine simply loads and processes data from these external files during execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If programmers maintain the hardcoded variables, then the system is reliable, but the update process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate speedVSAvoidtesting and update time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables non-programmer users to update their own data files (variables and formulas) directly without requiring programmer intervention. The system is designed so that users can modify CSV files containing tax rates, thresholds, and other variables, and the engine will automatically load these updated values during execution. This self-service capability eliminates the time-consuming cycle of programmer updates and extensive testing, allowing immediate or rapid deployment of updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If tax rules are hardcoded into software, then the software is reliable, but only programmers can update it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of updatingVSAvoidupdate accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of structured data files (CSV files) that act as a buffer between the user's updates and the engine's processing. These files contain variables, formulas, and metadata that the engine reads and validates. This intermediary structure allows users to make updates in a controlled format, while the engine ensures reliable processing through consistent data loading and validation routines, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and update accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11315198B2Data analysis engine

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 THE BUREAU OF NAT AFFAIRS

AI summary

Systems and methods for performing data analysis include receiving data for performing analysis from a user. A value associated with a variable is extracted from a first file based on the data. The value associated with the variable is loaded into a second file, the second file including a formula referencing the variable. An output is generated based on the data by calculating the formula based on the value associated with the variable.