Data Conversion Framework Using Succession Graphs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data conversion methods require significant user intervention and are inefficient in automatically converting data between different data formats and storage schemas.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented process that populates data records in source and target systems with sample data, generates succession graphs, and determines parameters for CONCATENATE or EXTRACT functions to automatically convert data between different data storage schemas, minimizing user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual data conversion methods are used, then conversion accuracy can be maintained through user review, but user intervention time and conversion complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion accuracyVSAvoiduser intervention time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing correspondences between data records and deriving conversion functions without requiring user intervention. The machine automatically compares data formats, identifies mapping relationships, and generates executable conversion functions, eliminating the need for manual review while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with automated machine analysis. Instead of users manually reviewing and verifying data correspondences, the system uses automated algorithms to analyze data records, identify patterns, and derive conversion functions, substituting human cognitive processes with computational mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated conversion functions are derived without user intervention, then conversion speed increases, but conversion reliability may decrease due to lack of manual verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion speedVSAvoidconversion reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated derivation process continuously validates derived conversion functions against the analyzed data correspondences. The machine analyzes multiple data records, tests derived functions, and refines conversions based on validation results, creating a closed-loop system that ensures reliability without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of data correspondences before finalizing conversion functions. By pre-analyzing multiple sample records and deriving conversion rules in advance, the system establishes reliable conversion patterns that can be confidently applied without subsequent manual verification, ensuring both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If complex data format transformations are performed manually, then handling of edge cases improves, but overall conversion efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge case handlingVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by focusing automated analysis on critical data correspondences and conversion patterns. Instead of manually reviewing every possible edge case, the machine automatically identifies and handles relevant edge cases through pattern recognition across multiple data records, providing sufficient coverage without requiring exhaustive manual verification of every potential scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8346819B2Enhanced data conversion framework
Publication Date: 2013.01.01 SAP SE
  • US8346819B2 patent drawing
  • US8346819B2 patent drawing
  • US8346819B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An enhanced data conversion framework, in which a data record in each of first and second data sources is populated with manually selected, representative sample data, the first and second data sources using different data storage schemas to store the representative sample data as instance values of instance elements. Parameters for a CONCATENATE function or an EXTRACT function are automatically determined based on a selected succession graph, and non-sample data is converted between the different data storage schemas of the first and second data sources, using the CONCATENATE function or the EXTRACT function.