Rule Processing Engine for Retail Data Elements

The patent applies universality by creating a single rule definition format that can handle multiple data element structures. The rule processing engine uses a unified approach to process rules across different data types, eliminating the need for users to define separate rules for each structure. This is achieved through a standardized condition evaluation mechanism that works universally across diverse data elements.

The patent segments the rule processing into distinct phases: condition evaluation phase and action execution phase. The condition processing engine separates the evaluation of rule conditions from the execution of rule actions, allowing for more efficient processing. This segmentation enables the system to pre-evaluate conditions and then execute actions in a streamlined manner, reducing overall processing time.

The patent applies preliminary action by having the condition processing engine evaluate and prepare rule conditions before executing the actual rule actions. The system pre-processes condition evaluations and stores intermediate results, so that when rule actions need to be executed, the groundwork is already laid. This reduces the processing overhead during action execution and improves overall productivity.

The patent merges the processing of multiple data element structures into a unified rule processing framework. Instead of handling each structure separately with its own processing overhead, the system combines all structures into a single processing pipeline that applies the same condition evaluation and action execution mechanisms. This consolidation eliminates repetitive preparation overhead while maintaining targeted processing capability.