Delta Data Generation for Technical Manual Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distributing and installing updated technical manuals, such as those in S1000D format, are time and labor intensive, require physical handling, and do not effectively check for errors, leading to potential downtime and troubleshooting challenges, especially in locations with limited bandwidth or access to support.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate delta data representing the differences between prior and current versions of technical manuals, allowing for the creation of a smaller update installation package that can be transmitted and installed automatically, including validation and rollback mechanisms to ensure data integrity and minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete technical manuals are distributed via physical media to locations with limited bandwidth, then data completeness is ensured, but time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential differences (delta data) between the prior version of the technical manual and the current version, rather than distributing the complete manual. This delta data contains only the specific changes needed to update the manual, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted while ensuring data completeness through targeted updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the technical manual update process into identifying specific differences between versions and transmitting only those segments (delta data). This segmentation allows the system to divide the complete manual into its constituent changes, transmitting only the necessary portions rather than the entire manual, thereby reducing distribution time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If complete technical manuals are distributed to multiple client systems, then all systems receive updated information, but the data package size becomes prohibitively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential differences (delta data) between the prior version of the technical manual and the current version, rather than distributing the complete manual. This delta data contains only the specific changes needed to update the manual, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted while ensuring data completeness through targeted updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the technical manual update process into identifying specific differences between versions and transmitting only those segments (delta data). This segmentation allows the system to divide the complete manual into its constituent changes, transmitting only the necessary portions rather than the entire manual, thereby reducing distribution time while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If manual distribution processes are used without automated validation, then installation flexibility is maintained, but error detection and data integrity verification are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated validation mechanisms that provide feedback during the installation process. The system validates the delta data before and during installation, checking for errors and ensuring data integrity. This feedback loop maintains installation flexibility while significantly improving reliability by automatically detecting and reporting issues.
4Reliability
If full technical manuals are installed at each client system, then complete information is available locally, but system downtime increases during updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential differences (delta data) between the prior version of the technical manual and the current version, rather than distributing the complete manual. This delta data contains only the specific changes needed to update the manual, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be transmitted while ensuring data completeness through targeted updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs validation of the delta data in advance before the actual installation process. By preliminarily checking the integrity and correctness of the update data, the system prevents installation failures and reduces the need for reinstallation, thereby minimizing system downtime while ensuring information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for providing a current version of a technical manual to a client computer system that has a prior version of the technical manual. Delta data representing a plurality of differences between the prior version of the technical manual and the current version of the technical manual is generated. The delta data are transmitted to the client computer system, and the client computer system applies the delta data to the prior version of the technical manual to produce the current version of the technical manual.