Automated Column Name Mapping for Table Merging

Solution Overview

Problem

In data processing, merging tables with inconsistent column names is challenging as users need to manually modify column names to achieve consistency, leading to merging errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically maps inconsistent column names across multiple tables by generating a mapping file and address file, allowing for the creation of a consistent mapped column name, thereby eliminating the need for manual modifications before merging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual modification of column names is performed to achieve consistency, then column name consistency is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolumn name consistencyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs column name mapping and consistency alignment without requiring manual user intervention. The mapping relationship between different column names from multiple tables is automatically established and applied during the merging process, eliminating the need for users to manually modify column names while maintaining data consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Before the actual table merging operation, the system pre-establishes mapping relationships between column names from different tables. This preliminary mapping setup allows the merging process to directly use consistent column names without requiring manual preparation or modification of column names in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual modification of column names is performed to achieve consistency, then column name consistency is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolumn name consistencyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs column name mapping and consistency alignment without requiring manual user intervention. The mapping relationship between different column names from multiple tables is automatically established and applied during the merging process, eliminating the need for users to manually modify column names while maintaining data consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an automatic mapping mechanism as an intermediary between the column names of different tables and the final merged output. This mapping mechanism translates and aligns column names from multiple tables automatically, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for manual operations while ensuring consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic column name mapping is implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs column name mapping and consistency alignment without requiring manual user intervention. The mapping relationship between different column names from multiple tables is automatically established and applied during the merging process, eliminating the need for users to manually modify column names while maintaining data consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mapping mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies column names, establishes mapping relationships, ensures consistency, and prepares data for merging. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex operations into a single integrated process, improving efficiency while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11960828B2Method and apparatus for mapping processing

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 ZHAO CHENYI

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for mapping processing. The method comprises acquiring a first table and a second table, and determining a first header of the first table and a second header of the second table based on received attribute setting information. The method further comprises acquiring a group of column names from the first header and the second header, wherein the group of column names includes a first column name in the first table and a second column name in the second table. The method also comprises mapping the group of column names to a mapped column name; merging the first table and the second table based on the mapped column name and outputting a merged table.