Notification Generation Using Indirect Reference Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data management and workflow systems are limited in generating automatic notifications, as they can only use information directly obtainable from files, failing to incorporate data not directly related to the file as content for notifications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect notifiable operations in electronic objects, automatically generate notifications using metadata values from indirect reference chains, and send these notifications to relevant users, enabling the inclusion of data not directly related to the file.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If automatic notification generation uses only information directly obtainable from files, then system complexity remains low, but notification content is limited and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested doll by creating indirect reference chains where metadata values contain references to other electronic objects, which in turn contain their own metadata and references. This nested structure allows the notification system to traverse multiple levels of data containment, retrieving information from deeply nested objects without requiring complex external data integration, thus improving notification completeness while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of metadata that acts as a bridge between the file and distant related data. Instead of directly accessing complex external systems, the metadata contains reference values that mediate the connection to related electronic objects, enabling indirect data retrieval and improving notification content without requiring direct integration with multiple external data sources
2Loss of information
If the system traverses deep indirect reference chains to gather notification data, then notification content becomes more comprehensive, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the indirect reference chain structure within the metadata during file creation and modification operations. The reference relationships are set up in advance, so when notification generation is needed, the system can simply traverse the pre-defined chain without performing complex real-time data gathering, thus reducing notification generation time while maintaining comprehensive data retrieval
3Adaptability or versatility
If the notification system accesses metadata from multiple indirect references, then notification relevance improves, but system operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the notification system to automatically traverse indirect reference chains and retrieve relevant data without requiring manual configuration of complex data sources. The metadata structure itself contains the navigation path, allowing the system to self-configure the data retrieval process, thus improving notification adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity for users
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, comprising detecting a notifiable operation concerning an electronic object; automatically generating a notification relating to the detected operation; wherein the generating comprises creating the notification at least from data that is a metadata value of such electronic object that is a target of an indirect reference chain, which chain starts from the electronic object in question sending electronically the generated notification to a relevant user. The invention relates also to an apparatus and a computer program product. The invention may be utilized in a document management system.