Object Identifier Persistence via Data Collection Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in maintaining consistent object identifiers across different versions of a data collection, leading to issues where new information is not accurately retrieved due to the persistence of old object identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that compares objects from one collection to another, merging matching objects and adding references to ensure that object identifiers persist, allowing for the combination of data and maintaining accurate retrieval of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new object identifier is assigned to newly collected information, then the new information can be stored independently, but the old object identifier fails to retrieve all available information about the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges objects from different collections that represent the same real-world entity. When an object from a first collection matches an object from a second collection (based on comparing facts and attributes), the system combines them into a unified object. This merging ensures that all information about the entity is consolidated under a single persistent identifier, resolving the contradiction between maintaining independent new information and ensuring complete information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a matching mechanism as an intermediary that compares objects from different collections by examining their facts and attributes. This intermediary process determines whether objects represent the same entity and facilitates the merging operation. The matching mechanism acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between separate information collections and enables persistent identifier assignment.
2Reliability
If objects from different collections are merged, then identifier persistence is achieved, but the system complexity increases due to matching and merging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary matching of objects from different collections before merging them. By comparing facts and attributes in advance, the system identifies candidate objects that represent the same entity. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent merging process by pre-establishing which objects should be combined, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during the merging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The matching mechanism uses the objects' own facts and attributes to determine whether they represent the same entity. Instead of requiring external validation or complex verification processes, the system enables objects to self-identify through comparison of their intrinsic properties. This self-service approach reduces system complexity by leveraging the data already present in the objects themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for maintaining persistent object identifiers across versions of a collection of data. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first collection of objects is compared to a second collection of objects. If an object in the first collection matches an object in the second collection, a reference is added to the object in the first collection referring to the object in the second collection, allowing the identifier to persist in both collections of objects. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the data (or “facts”) associated with the object from the first collection are moved to the object from the second collection. In this way, data associated with matching objects is combined between two collections of objects while maintaining persistent object identifiers.