COBOL Data Record Schema Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data processing systems are inadequate for handling COBOL data files due to their inflexibility in processing files from different vendors, inability to handle nested data, and requirement for modification to read files from unfamiliar sources, which complicates data integration and processing.
Innovation Solution
A computer-readable medium and method that standardizes COBOL data record schemas by parsing COBOL copybooks to create standardized data record schemas, enabling processing of data records from multiple vendors without modification, and flattening nested data for compatibility with database management systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data processing systems are used to handle COBOL data files, then system simplicity is maintained, but the systems cannot process files from different vendors without modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a COBOL data file reader as an intermediary component that sits between the COBOL data files and the data processing system. This reader automatically detects vendor-specific formats and converts them to a standardized internal representation, eliminating the need to modify the core processing system for each vendor while enabling support for multiple vendors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data processing system into distinct modules: a COBOL data file reader module that handles vendor-specific format detection and conversion, and a core processing module that works with standardized data. This segmentation allows the reader to be updated for new vendors without affecting the core system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional data processing systems process COBOL data files, then processing speed is maintained, but the systems cannot handle nested data structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested data structure handling by creating a hierarchical parsing mechanism that recursively processes COBOL data structures. The system detects nested structures in the COBOL data files and automatically creates corresponding nested data representations, allowing modern systems to process traditional COBOL nested formats without loss of structural information.
3Ease of operation
If conventional data processing systems are used, then system stability is maintained, but the systems require understanding of source code and physical environment to read COBOL data files
Solution Approach 1:
The COBOL data file reader implements self-service by automatically detecting the vendor, data format, and structural characteristics of COBOL data files without requiring user input or external configuration. The system autonomously adapts to different file formats and processes them appropriately, eliminating the need for operators to understand COBOL source code or physical environment details.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the COBOL data file reader analyzes the incoming data file characteristics and automatically adjusts its parsing and processing strategies. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to different vendors and formats dynamically without requiring pre-configuration or expert knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer readable medium is configured to receive an identification of a plurality of data records, where each data record corresponds to one of a plurality of data record schemas represented in COBOL, and each data record schema corresponds to one of a plurality of standardized data record schemas. The computer readable medium is further configured to specify one of the plurality of standardized data record schemas as a selected standardized data record schema, and to process the plurality of data records based on the selected standardized data record schema.