Limit Variable Interface for Unlimited Date Ranges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing data model in computer systems requires an end date for address records, which is often unknown when a new address is entered, leading to the use of extreme values like 9999-12-31 to signify an indefinite range, causing user inconvenience and increasing the risk of mistakes due to difficulty in distinguishing these values from contemporary dates.
Innovation Solution
A method in a computer system that allows users to set a limit variable for a numerical range, such as a date range, by entering an expression like 'UNLIMITED' which is converted to a predetermined extreme value that will never be reached, allowing users to signify an unlimited range without displaying extreme values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extreme values like 9999-12-31 are entered as end dates to signify unlimited validity periods, then the data model requirement for specific begin and end dates is satisfied, but user convenience deteriorates and the risk of user mistakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the system's date handling mechanism) that translates between user-friendly expressions (like 'unlimited' or blank inputs) and the required extreme date values internally. This mediator allows users to work with intuitive concepts while the system automatically manages the conversion to compliant date formats, thus satisfying both data model requirements and user convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameter representation based on context. Instead of always displaying or requiring extreme date values like 9999-12-31, the system allows parameter changes to user-friendly representations (such as 'unlimited' text or blank fields) in user interfaces, while maintaining the extreme values in the underlying data structure where required by the data model.
2Reliability
If extreme values like 9999-12-31 are used to represent unlimited validity periods, then the data model requirement is met, but the ability to quickly distinguish valid from invalid records deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual differentiation techniques (analogous to color changes) by implementing distinct display formats for extreme dates versus regular dates. The system can apply visual markers, formatting differences, or symbolic representations that make extreme dates immediately distinguishable in lists and reports, enabling users to quickly identify which records have unlimited validity periods versus those with specific end dates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary display layer that sits between the raw extreme date values and the user view. This mediator transforms extreme dates into visually distinct representations (such as special symbols, formatted text, or highlighted fields) while maintaining the actual extreme values in the database, thus enabling easy detection of record validity without changing the underlying data.
3Measurement precision
If extreme values are displayed to users, then the system maintains accurate internal representations, but user understanding and absorption of the information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an intermediary translation layer that converts extreme date values into user-comprehensible representations for display purposes. When presenting data to users, the system mediates between the precise internal extreme values (9999-12-31) and user-friendly external representations (such as 'unlimited', 'no end date', or symbolic indicators), thus preserving measurement precision internally while enhancing user comprehension externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameter representation based on the context and target audience. Internal systems maintain precise extreme date values for accurate measurement and computation, while user interfaces automatically transform these parameters into comprehensible forms such as text descriptions or symbolic representations, thus adapting the same data to different levels of user understanding without loss of information.
Data Source
AI summary
An expression entered by a user to set a limit variable for a numerical range may be received in a computer system. The expression signifies to the user that the numerical range is unlimited. The limit variable can only be set with a numerical value. The limit variable is set with a first numerical value that is within a predetermined extreme portion of the numerical range. A command to display a limit variable for a numerical range may be received in a computer system. The limit variable is set with a numerical value. If the numerical value is within a predetermined extreme portion of the numerical range, an expression is displayed to a user that signifies to the user that the numerical range is unlimited. If the numerical value is not within the predetermined extreme portion of the numerical range, the numerical value is displayed to the user.