Generic Search Tool Buffering for Multi-Object Type Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional generic search tools in business software systems, such as mySAP's SRM, are limited in that they can only search for one object type at a time, leading to loss of data when switching between different object types, and cannot efficiently handle multiple object types simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that involves carrying out a first search for one object type, saving the results in a buffer, performing a second search for a different object type, and restoring the original results from the buffer, allowing for simultaneous search and retrieval of multiple object types without losing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional generic search tool is used to search for objects of one type, then the search results for that object type can be obtained, but it is not possible to search for objects of another type without losing the first list of results
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary save of the first search results into a buffer before executing the second search. This preliminary action ensures that the original results are preserved and can be restored later, eliminating the information loss that occurs in conventional systems when switching between object types.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer is introduced as an intermediary storage mechanism between the search tool and the application. This buffer temporarily holds the first search results while the second search is performed, acting as a mediator that prevents data loss and enables seamless switching between different object type searches.
2Productivity
If a conventional generic search tool searches for one object type at a time, then the search process is simple, but the system performance is reduced and more time is required to search for multiple object types
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by performing the save to buffer and restore from buffer operations in the background without interrupting the search workflow. This allows multiple object type searches to be executed in sequence without idle time, improving overall productivity while minimizing the perception of time loss for the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a generic search tool is designed to handle multiple object types simultaneously, then search capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The search tool is designed with universal functionality by incorporating a buffer mechanism that can store and restore results for any object type. This single buffer structure serves multiple purposes: storing first search results, enabling switching between object types, and maintaining search state. The universal design avoids the need for separate storage mechanisms for each object type, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving multi-object type search capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method of carrying out a search of one or more databases on the basis of a search request from one or more applications, the method comprising: carrying out a first search of the one or more databases for objects having a first object type on the basis of a search request from one of the one or more applications; providing the one of the one or more applications with a first list of results; making a copy of the results of the first search; saving the copy of the results of the first search in a buffer; carrying out a second search of the one or more databases for objects having a second object type on the basis of a search request from the one of the one or more applications; providing the one of the one or more applications with a second list of results; restoring to the one of the one or more applications the first list of results from the buffer.