Hierarchical Variant Configuration Using Flattened Rule Tables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for configuring and storing hierarchical data face challenges such as duplication of information across decision tree branches and multiple paths leading to the same leaf node, resulting in usability, scalability, and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is provided to configure variants, with signals and rules specified, and an automated action is initiated based on user interactions, storing rule values in a database table and applying functions to generate unique identifiers for permutations, allowing efficient management of variant characteristics and reducing redundant information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If decision trees are used to represent hierarchical data, then the data structure can model complex relationships, but information is duplicated across multiple branches and paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hierarchical data structure into distinct components: a flattened table structure for storing unique data records, and a separate decision tree structure for defining relationships and logic. This segmentation allows the system to maintain complex hierarchical relationships through the decision tree while storing actual data without duplication in the flattened table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that connects the decision tree structure with the flattened data storage. This intermediary mechanism maps decision tree paths and nodes to corresponding records in the flattened table, enabling the system to leverage the organizational benefits of decision trees while avoiding their duplication problem through efficient data reference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple paths in decision tree lead to the same leaf node, then alternative routes are provided, but this creates additional duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple decision tree paths that lead to the same leaf node by consolidating their data requirements into a single flattened table record. The system identifies when different decision paths converge on the same outcome and stores the shared data once, using the flattened structure to eliminate redundancy while preserving the multiple-path logic in the decision tree definition.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional decision tree structures are used, then hierarchical relationships are maintained, but usability and performance deteriorate due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of the hierarchical data structure in the form of a flattened table. Instead of requiring users to navigate and manipulate complex nested decision tree structures directly, the system provides a flattened view that is easier to query, update, and maintain, while the underlying decision tree logic remains intact for preserving hierarchical relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are provided for configuration and storage of hierarchical data. One method comprises providing a user interface to configure different variants, wherein a configuration of a given variant comprises a specification of signals associated with the given variant, wherein a given signal comprises one or more rules; obtaining one or more representations of user interactions with the user interface to configure the given variant; initiating an update of at least one database table comprising one or more records associated with the given variant based on the one or more representations of the user interactions, wherein the at least one database table stores rule values specified for the one or more signals associated with the given variant as attributes of the given variant; and initiating an automated action using the at least one database table. A given variant may be, for example, a content-related variant or a product-related variant.