Material Data Normalization for Non-Hierarchical Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Engineering data for materials is often siloed across various sources in different formats, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes for selecting materials, as different sources use different units, nomenclatures, and formats, making it difficult to perform comprehensive searches across multiple sources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that normalize electronic data from multiple sources into a standardized format, allowing for non-hierarchical querying and storage in a nested model, enabling efficient searching of material properties across various sources through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is stored in multiple sources with different formats and units, then data completeness and coverage are improved, but data consistency and search efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data normalization layer that acts as an intermediary between multiple data sources and the search/query system. This normalization layer converts data from various source formats into a unified internal representation, enabling efficient searching across diverse sources without requiring the search system to understand each source's specific format. The normalization process resolves format inconsistencies and unit differences, allowing the system to maintain comprehensive data coverage while achieving consistent search results.
2Reliability
If manual review of data from multiple sources is performed, then data accuracy can be verified, but time consumption and human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated data normalization and validation processes that enable the system to self-verify data accuracy without manual intervention. The normalization system automatically detects data formats, validates data quality, and resolves inconsistencies across multiple sources, replacing the manual review process. This automated self-service approach maintains high data accuracy through systematic validation while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual verification by engineers.
3Device complexity
If hierarchical search processes are used, then search structure is simplified, but search flexibility and comprehensiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the search functionality into independent property dimension queries rather than hierarchical steps. Each property (density, strength, temperature, etc.) can be queried independently and simultaneously, allowing flexible combination of multiple criteria without following a predetermined hierarchy. The search system processes queries across all property dimensions in parallel, maintaining simple overall structure while enabling comprehensive and flexible search capabilities that adapt to various material selection requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for normalizing and searching electronic data, such as chemical material property data, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving electronic data from a source. The electronic data is formatted in a source format. The method further includes converting the source data into a normalized format, and storing normalized electronic data in levels of a nested model. The method further includes receiving a search or browse query directed toward normalized properties in a first level of the nested model or a second level of the nested model, in any non-hierarchical order. The method also includes searching the nested model and causing for display on an electronic display one or more entities satisfying the query and maintaining the integrity of all parameters of the query across all selected properties queried in any non-hierarchical order.