Time Slot Prolongation for DST Transition Ambiguity

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of correspondence between transition periods in local time and international standard time during Daylight Saving Time (DST) shifts leads to ambiguities and discrepancies in date and time information, causing inaccuracies in communication between systems operating across multiple time zones.

Innovation Solution

A method to accurately convert time slots defined in local time to an international standard time by prolonging the time slots that overlap with transition periods, ensuring that the starting and finishing times are correspondingly defined in international standard time, thus enabling unambiguous communication across multiple time zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If time slots are converted directly from local time to international standard time without considering DST transition periods, then the conversion process is simple and fast, but the date and time information becomes inaccurate and ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of date and time informationVSAvoidcomplexity of time conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of DST transition periods before executing the time conversion. By detecting whether a time slot overlaps with a DST transition period in advance, the system can apply appropriate adjustment rules, ensuring accurate conversion while maintaining a structured and manageable process complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (DST transition period detection and identification module) that acts as a mediator between local time and international standard time conversion. This intermediary identifies overlapping time slots and applies correction logic, resolving the ambiguity without requiring complete redesign of the conversion process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If time slots overlapping with DST transition periods are not prolonged, then the time slot structure remains regular and simple, but the starting and finishing times cannot be accurately defined in international standard time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of time slot definition across time zonesVSAvoidregularity of time slot structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the structure of time slots based on their overlap with DST transition periods. Time slots that overlap with transition periods are prolonged to ensure their starting and finishing times can be accurately defined in international standard time, while non-overlapping slots maintain their regular structure. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliability without permanently altering the basic time slot model

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different handling rules to different time slots based on their specific characteristics. Only time slots that overlap with DST transition periods are prolonged, while other time slots maintain their regular structure. This localized adjustment ensures that the reliability issue is addressed only where necessary, preserving the regularity of the overall time slot structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If systems operate with local time zone settings without standardized time conversion, then local time display is convenient for users, but communication between systems across multiple time zones generates confusion and inaccurate data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of local time display for usersVSAvoidaccuracy of communicated date and time data

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a dual-time representation mechanism that serves multiple functions: it displays local time for user convenience while simultaneously maintaining accurate international standard time for communication purposes. The time slot prolongation mechanism ensures that when time slots are communicated between systems, their starting and finishing times are unambiguously defined in international standard time, preventing information loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary conversion and coordination mechanism between local time zone settings and international standard time. This intermediary layer detects DST transition periods, prolongs overlapping time slots, and ensures accurate translation between time zones, allowing systems to operate with local time settings while communicating accurately in international standard time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9361594B2Generating time slot for managing time across multiple time zones

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 SAP SE

AI summary

A time slot of regular time length and capacity is defined in time local to a time zone. The slot is defined by a local time start timestamp and a local time end timestamp. In one aspect, upon determining that the local time end timestamp of the slot overlaps with the transition period, the time slot is prolonged beyond the transition period. The prolonged time slot is correspondingly defined by an international standard time start timestamp and an international standard time end timestamp. The prolonged time slot is generated based on the international standard time start timestamp and the international standard time end timestamp.