Semi-automatic Object Reuse via Attribute Association Probability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for reusing data object information across applications or application parts are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and error-prone, especially when dealing with multiple applications or unknown applications at design time, making efficient and accurate data reuse challenging.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic system that uses a graphical interface to establish source and target data objects, calculates the probability of attribute association between them using machine learning algorithms, and allows users to define threshold values for automatic data copying, facilitating efficient and accurate data reuse across applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual cut-and-paste method is used to transfer data object information, then data can be transferred between applications, but the process is time-consuming and repetitive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to transfer dataVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service data transfer by automatically calculating attribute associations and suggesting mappings without requiring manual intervention for each data field, thus reducing time loss while maintaining appropriate automation levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a mediator between source and target applications, automatically analyzing attribute associations and facilitating data transfer, which resolves the contradiction by providing automated assistance without completely replacing user control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If application designer creates manual mapping for data object attributes, then data can be reused across applications, but the process is labor-intensive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of data mappingVSAvoidcomplexity of mapping process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual mapping process with an automated system that uses machine learning algorithms to calculate attribute associations, thereby improving reliability while reducing the complexity burden on users through intelligent automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by calculating and presenting probability scores for attribute associations, allowing users to review and verify mappings, which enhances reliability while keeping the interface simple and manageable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If designer-time mapping is used for known applications, then data can be mapped accurately, but it is not feasible for applications not known at design time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to handle unknown applicationsVSAvoidtime for design-time preparation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system that can adapt to both known and unknown applications at runtime by automatically analyzing attribute associations, eliminating the need for design-time preparation and enabling versatile data reuse across any application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of attribute associations automatically when needed, rather than requiring advance design-time mapping, which enables handling of unknown applications while minimizing time loss through on-demand processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If individual attribute review and copying is performed, then data accuracy can be maintained, but the process is repetitive and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoiderror rate in data transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically calculating attribute associations and suggesting mappings, which dramatically improves productivity while maintaining reliability through algorithmic accuracy and consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reviewing and copying individual attributes with an automated system that calculates associations and suggests mappings, improving both productivity and reliability by eliminating human error in repetitive tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10713625B2Semi-automatic object reuse across application parts

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 SAP SE

AI summary

According to some embodiments, a source application part may be established having a source data object with a set of source attribute identifiers and associated source attribute values. A target application part may also be established having a target data object with a set of target attribute identifiers. An object reuse platform may then receive, from a user via a graphical interface, an indication that the source data object relates to the target data object. The object reuse platform may then calculate, for each source attribute identifier, a probability that the source attribute identifier is associated with one of the target attribute identifiers.