Data Object Translation via Database Pattern Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual translation of business objects across languages is tedious and time-consuming, necessitating the development of automatic translation mechanisms to facilitate globalization in object-oriented programming.

Innovation Solution

A method for translating data objects by searching a database for matching objects in the target language, obtaining and storing object types and content, and requesting external sources if necessary, with user confirmation to ensure accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual translation of business objects is performed, then translation accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidtranslation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses existing translated business objects as templates to automatically generate translations for new objects. By copying translation patterns from existing objects (e.g., if 'Employee' is translated as 'Mitarbeiter' in German, then 'Employees' becomes 'Mitarbeiter' following the same pattern), the system achieves both speed and consistency without requiring manual translation of every object

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes translation dictionaries and patterns by analyzing existing translated business objects before new translation needs arise. This preliminary action creates a reusable knowledge base that enables rapid automatic translation while maintaining quality standards set during the initial translation phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automatic translation mechanisms are implemented, then translation speed increases, but manual intervention is still required for verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation speedVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by comparing automatically generated translations against established translation patterns and dictionaries. The translation mechanism validates its own output by checking consistency with previously approved translations, reducing the need for external manual verification while maintaining quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops where translation results are validated against existing translation corpora and patterns. When discrepancies are detected, the system can automatically adjust or flag items for review, creating a continuous improvement cycle that reduces manual intervention over time while maintaining high translation quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If existing translations are leveraged for automatic translation, then translation efficiency improves, but handling of unique or specialized terms becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation efficiencyVSAvoidhandling of specialized terms
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different translation strategies to different parts of the business object based on their characteristics. Common terms use automated pattern matching from existing translations, while specialized or unique terms are identified and handled through external translation services or expert review, ensuring each term receives the appropriate level of attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies automated translation to the majority of standard terms while selectively applying manual or external translation processes only to specialized terms that require it. This partial automation approach maintains high efficiency for common cases while ensuring accuracy for specialized content

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8126702B2Translating data objects
Publication Date: 2012.02.28 SAP SE
  • US8126702B2 patent drawing
  • US8126702B2 patent drawing
  • US8126702B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Translating information, such as an object type and content, in a first data object from an initial language into a target language includes searching a database to locate a second data object having the object type, attempting to obtain, from the second data object, the object type and the content in the target language, and storing, in the first data object, the object type and content in the target language.