Automated Dataset Processing Order via Constraint Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data processing systems face challenges in maintaining referential integrity and statistical consistency across interrelated datasets, particularly when applying transformations, as they often require manual connection of dataflow components and lack efficient methods to preserve dependencies and equivalences between datasets.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for processing related datasets that analyze constraint specifications to determine a processing order, applying transformations based on primary and foreign key relationships, and statistical consistency, using dataflow graphs to ensure referential integrity and consistency, allowing for automated processing of multiple datasets while maintaining dependencies and equivalences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual connection of dataflow components is used to process related datasets, then flexibility in processing can be maintained, but processing efficiency decreases and manual intervention increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated processingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically analyzes constraint specifications and determines processing orders without requiring manual configuration. The data processing system self-services by autonomously resolving dependencies between datasets and executing transformations in the correct sequence, eliminating the need for manual connection of dataflow components while maintaining processing flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of constraint specifications before executing data transformations. By pre-determining the processing order based on analyzed constraints, the system prepares the execution plan in advance, enabling automated processing without ad-hoc manual intervention during the transformation phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If transformations are applied to datasets without analyzing constraint specifications, then processing speed increases, but referential integrity and statistical consistency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereferential integrityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of constraint specifications before applying transformations. By pre-determining the processing order based on foreign key relationships and statistical dependencies, the system ensures referential integrity and statistical consistency are maintained while enabling efficient automated execution without re-analysis during transformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses constraint specifications as feedback mechanisms to guide the transformation process. By continuously referencing the analyzed constraints during processing, the system ensures that transformations maintain referential integrity and statistical consistency, with the constraint analysis results serving as feedback to control the processing sequence

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If processing order is determined without analyzing constraints, then processing time is reduced, but data consistency among related datasets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatistical consistencyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of constraint specifications to determine processing orders before executing transformations. By pre-establishing the correct processing sequence based on statistical dependencies and relationships between datasets, the system ensures statistical consistency is maintained while avoiding time loss during actual transformation execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system autonomously determines processing orders by self-analyzing constraint specifications without requiring external intervention or repeated analysis. The data processing system services itself by automatically resolving statistical dependencies and establishing execution sequences, maintaining data consistency while minimizing time overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2585949B1Processing related datasets
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 AB INITIO TECHNOLOGY LLC
  • EP2585949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2585949B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2585949B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Processing related datasets includes receiving (202) records from multiple datasets (308, 314, 320); and processing records from each of the multiple datasets in a data processing system (100). The processing includes: analyzing (206) at least one constraint specification (302, 312) stored in a data storage system (116) to determine a processing order for the multiple datasets, the constraint specification specifying one or more constraints for preserving referential integrity or statistical consistency among a group of related datasets that includes the multiple datasets, applying (208) one or more transformations to records from each of the multiple datasets in the determined processing order, and storing (212) or outputting results of the transformations to the records from each of the multiple datasets.