Time-Dependent Data Structure Update via Delta Methodology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in updating software applications or documents with time-dependent data structures, as they often lack a robust method for direct mapping and updating between source and target systems, especially in complex enterprise resource planning systems.

Innovation Solution

A delta update methodology is introduced that uses XML-based messages to communicate changes between systems, employing Infotype records with validity periods to manage time-dependent data, allowing for accurate representation and updating of business objects across systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If direct mapping and updating between source and target applications is attempted, then updating speed is improved, but mapping accuracy deteriorates due to time-dependent data structure complexities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdating speedVSAvoidmapping accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the update process into distinct phases: identifying time-dependent data structures, extracting their temporal characteristics, and applying specialized update rules. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex time-dependent mappings systematically while maintaining both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer that mediates between source and target applications. This intermediary analyzes time-dependent data structures, determines appropriate update strategies based on temporal characteristics, and coordinates the mapping process to ensure both efficiency and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If time-dependent data structures are deeply structured into subsections, then data organization is improved, but direct mapping capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata organizationVSAvoiddirect mapping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the data mapping process by identifying and analyzing time-dependent characteristics of deeply structured data subsections. This allows the system to navigate complex hierarchical structures while accounting for temporal validity, enabling mapping capabilities that respect both organizational depth and time-dependent nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamic update rules that adapt to the temporal characteristics of different data subsections. Rather than applying static mapping rules, the system dynamically determines update strategies based on time-dependent properties, allowing flexible handling of deeply structured data while maintaining mapping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If traditional delta update methodology is used, then update simplicity is improved, but handling of time-dependent data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupdate simplicityVSAvoidhandling of time-dependent data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates copies of time-dependent data structures with embedded temporal characteristics, allowing the update system to work with these copies using extended delta update rules. This approach maintains the simplicity of delta updates while reliably handling time-dependent data through the use of copied structures that preserve temporal information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the traditional delta update methodology by introducing temporal parameters to the update process. These parameters track time-dependent characteristics of data structures, allowing the system to maintain update simplicity while reliably handling time-dependent data through parameter-driven update rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2175377B1Method and system for managing and modifying time dependent data structures
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 SAP SE
  • EP2175377B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2175377B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2175377B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system, method, and computer-readable medium having instructions thereon for executing a method are provided for effecting modification of, e.g., updating, a target application or document. An embodiment of the present invention provides for the updating of a target application or document having specific time split operations in, for example, an enterprise resources planning system (ERP).