Flexible Hierarchical Database System for Dynamic Data Relationships

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing database systems are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult and costly to adapt to dynamically evolving conditions, particularly in IT-GRC applications where managing diverse data sources and hierarchies is labor-intensive and error-prone, leading to challenges in compliance and reporting.

Innovation Solution

A flexible hierarchical database system with a variable architecture that uses a processor-based server with multiple digital storage devices, storing nodes and links represented by machine-readable data, and a rules framework to dynamically update calculated links, allowing for efficient management and analysis of complex data relationships across diverse systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid database structure is used, then data storage is simple and straightforward, but the system cannot adapt to dynamically evolving conditions and diverse data sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to evolving conditionsVSAvoiddatabase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic database structure where the hierarchy can be modified at runtime through addition, deletion, and modification of nodes and links. The system allows hierarchical structures to evolve without requiring complete redesign, enabling adaptation to changing business requirements and diverse data sources while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The database hierarchy is segmented into discrete nodes and links that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the system to build complex hierarchical structures from simple, reusable components, making the system adaptable to diverse data sources while keeping individual elements simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple dissimilar data sources are integrated, then data comprehensiveness improves, but compilation, assessment, and analysis become labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata comprehensivenessVSAvoiddata processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal hierarchical database structure that can accommodate multiple dissimilar data sources through a common node-link framework. This universal structure enables diverse data to be integrated into a unified hierarchy, allowing comprehensive data collection while maintaining processing efficiency through consistent operational rules across all data types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hierarchical structure acts as an intermediary layer between multiple dissimilar data sources and the analysis functions. This mediator structure standardizes diverse data into a common hierarchical format, enabling efficient compilation, assessment, and analysis while preserving data comprehensiveness from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex hierarchies are manually programmed, then precise control over data relationships is achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and requires programmer intervention for simple tasks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata relationship precisionVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the hierarchical database structure to be self-configured through automated operations. The system can automatically create, modify, and manage nodes and links based on data relationships, eliminating the need for manual programming of complex hierarchies while maintaining precise control over data relationships through systematic, rule-based operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes a predefined framework of nodes and links that can be automatically populated and configured. This preliminary structure allows complex data relationships to be automatically generated without manual intervention, achieving precise control over hierarchies while reducing programming time through automated initialization and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional database systems are used, then implementation is straightforward, but adaptation to new conditions is slow and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation easeVSAvoidadaptation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic hierarchical structure that can be modified at runtime through addition, deletion, and modification of nodes and links. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt quickly to new conditions and requirements while maintaining ease of implementation through systematic, rule-based operations that follow consistent patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables adaptation through parameter changes in the hierarchical structure, such as modifying node properties, adding or removing links, and reconfiguring relationships. These parameter changes allow quick adaptation to new conditions without requiring complete system redesign, maintaining ease of implementation while significantly improving adaptability speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11170024B2Apparatus and method providing flexible hierarchies in database applications
Publication Date: 2021.11.09 SERVICENOW INC
  • US11170024B2 patent drawing
  • US11170024B2 patent drawing
  • US11170024B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-driven system manages databases of flexible storage hierarchy. Computer servers include machine-readable storage containing at least one database, the database comprising multiple data records represented by multiple nodes. Each node has a node type and represents records of a corresponding record type. The nodes are embodied by machine-readable data stored in one or more tables. Multiple client-originated direct links are embodied by data stored in the one or more tables, where each one of the direct links directly connecting a different pair of the nodes. Multiple system-originated calculated links are embodied by data stored in the one or more tables. Each calculated link acts in observance with a rules framework to connect pairs of the nodes that would otherwise be connected only indirectly through one or more intermediate nodes and direct links between said intermediate nodes.