Learning-Based Parser Rule Generation for Data Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information collection systems face challenges in efficiently extracting target information from vast amounts of data in various formats, requiring developers to create parser programs for each service and reprogram them with specification changes, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An information collection system that uses learning data to generate parser rules for extracting target character strings, which are then used to efficiently collect specific information from data across different services, reducing the need for manual programming and improving adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a parser program is developed for each service to extract information from Web contents, then the extraction accuracy for service-specific formats is improved, but the device complexity and programming cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction accuracyVSAvoidparser program complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal parser program that can extract information from multiple service types (SNS, blogs, news sites, etc.) using a single unified structure. The parser uses service identification based on URL patterns and applies appropriate extraction rules dynamically, eliminating the need to develop separate parser programs for each service while maintaining high extraction accuracy for service-specific formats

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from creating multiple fixed parser programs to using a single flexible parser that adapts its extraction parameters based on service identification. The system stores extraction rules as configurable parameters that can be adjusted based on the identified service type, allowing the same parser structure to handle diverse formats by changing its operational parameters rather than its fundamental structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If parser programs are reprogrammed every time content specifications change, then the extraction accuracy is maintained, but the productivity and response time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction accuracyVSAvoidprogram update speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic extraction rule storage that allows extraction specifications to be modified without reprogramming the parser program itself. The system stores extraction rules in a configurable format that can be updated to reflect changes in service content specifications, enabling the parser to adapt to new formats by loading updated rules rather than requiring program rewrites

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The parser program automatically identifies the service type based on URL patterns and selects the appropriate extraction rules from the storage without requiring manual intervention or reprogramming. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain high extraction accuracy even when content specifications change, as the updated rules are automatically applied based on service identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual development of parser programs is performed for each service, then the extraction reliability is improved, but the loss of time and automation level worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction reliabilityVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary service identification based on URL patterns before the actual information extraction process. By pre-configuring service identification rules and extraction rule sets for multiple services, the system automatically determines the appropriate extraction approach without manual intervention, maintaining high reliability while eliminating the time-consuming manual development process for each new service

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The unified parser structure with service identification capability provides reliable extraction across multiple service types through a single program. The system maintains extraction reliability by implementing service-specific extraction rules within a universal framework, eliminating the need for manual development of separate parsers for each service while preserving the reliability benefits of service-optimized extraction logic

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

Data Source

PatentUS11308091B2Information collection system, information collection method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 NEC CORP
  • US11308091B2 patent drawing
  • US11308091B2 patent drawing
  • US11308091B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information collection system for efficiently collecting target information from an enormous amount of contents in a variety of formats is provided. The information collection system 100 includes a learning unit 110 and an extraction unit 130. The learning unit 110 generates, by using learning data, a parser rule for extracting a target character string from data, the target character string being a character string including specific information. The extraction unit 130 extracts the target character string from data by using the parser rule.