Data Parsing Module Schema Generation for Opaque Records

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Data processing systems face challenges in accurately parsing opaque data records due to errors in data dictionaries, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in data processing, particularly when dealing with opaque data formats like fixed field records without self-describing structures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a data parsing module that generates a schema from a provided data dictionary, using tools like Tabula for extracting tables from PDF documents, and an automatic parser generator to create computer-readable program instructions for parsing opaque data records, ensuring accurate identification and extraction of data fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If data processing systems use traditional parsing methods for opaque data records, then the parsing process is simple, but accuracy deteriorates due to errors in data dictionaries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparsing accuracyVSAvoidparsing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary schema generation process that acts as a mediator between the data dictionary and the parsing logic. The schema generation module translates the data dictionary into a structured schema representation, which then guides the parsing process. This intermediary layer isolates the parsing logic from direct dependency on the data dictionary, allowing for more accurate and flexible parsing while maintaining system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by generating the parsing schema in advance before the actual data parsing occurs. The schema generation module pre-processes the data dictionary to create a structured schema that defines the expected data structure. This preliminary schema generation enables the parsing process to proceed with higher accuracy by having predefined rules and structures to follow, rather than attempting to parse opaque data without prior preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If data processing systems manually process opaque data records, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing throughputVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate parsing schemas from data dictionaries without requiring manual intervention. The schema generation module autonomously processes the data dictionary input and produces the necessary parsing configurations. This automation significantly improves productivity by eliminating manual schema creation steps while maintaining the flexibility needed for handling various opaque data formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated schema generation mechanism. Instead of manually analyzing and creating parsing rules for opaque data records, the system uses an automated module that transforms data dictionary information into executable parsing schemas. This substitution of manual mechanical work with an automated intelligence-based system dramatically increases data processing throughput while preserving operational flexibility.

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

3Reliability

If data dictionaries contain errors, then data processing can proceed quickly, but reliability deteriorates due to incorrect data extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata extraction accuracyVSAvoidparsing preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses reliability concerns by performing preliminary validation and processing of the data dictionary during schema generation. Before actual data parsing occurs, the system pre-processes the data dictionary to create a structured schema that can be validated for consistency. This preliminary action allows the system to detect and handle potential errors in the data dictionary before they affect data extraction, thereby improving reliability without significantly impacting processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The schema generation module serves as an intermediary that buffers the impact of data dictionary errors on the parsing process. By translating the data dictionary into a structured schema format, the system creates an intermediate representation that can be more rigorously validated and controlled. This intermediary layer allows for better error detection and handling, improving data extraction reliability while minimizing the time penalty through efficient automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11301484B2Systems and methods for type coercion
Publication Date: 2022.04.12 ZESTFINANCE INC
  • US11301484B2 patent drawing
  • US11301484B2 patent drawing
  • US11301484B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for converting a data item provided by an external data provider system into a data type specified by a data processing system for a data field of the data item. A data processing system stores a coercion rule for each data field of a first data set provided by the data provider system. Each stored coercion rule identifies at least one data type for the corresponding data field. Responsive to a second data set provided by the data provider system, the data processing system coerces each data item of the second data set into at least one data type specified by the stored coercion rule for the data field of the data item to generate at least one converted data item of the second data set. The data processing system generates information from at least one converted data item, and provides the information to a consuming system.