Transaction Trace Analysis for Accurate Record Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction-processing systems face challenges in relating individual data records to their respective transactions due to interleaved input- and output-traces, leading to error-prone and ineffective automated testing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method for analyzing transaction-processing systems that determine data records based on similarity or identity of data fields, assign association weight sums, and associate data records to each other, enabling identification of records related to the same transaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated testing is performed using collected input- and output-traces, then testing can be conducted without real-life systems, but the testing becomes error-prone and ineffective due to inability to relate individual data records to respective transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interleaved input- and output-traces into individual transaction units by identifying and extracting specific data fields (such as transaction identifiers, timestamps, and correlation keys) that uniquely associate data records with their respective transactions. This segmentation allows each data record to be tracked and related to its source transaction, thereby resolving the inability to accurately map records in automated testing environments.
2Productivity
If multiple transactions are processed in parallel or overlapped fashion, then processing throughput increases, but input- and output-traces become interleaved making it difficult to relate individual data records to respective transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by embedding correlation identifiers and timestamps within data records during parallel transaction processing. These identifiers provide continuous feedback about which data record belongs to which transaction, allowing the system to maintain accurate associations even when multiple transactions are processed simultaneously. The feedback loop ensures that interleaved traces can be correctly reassembled and attributed to their source transactions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data records are copied, converted, or mapped during transaction processing, then new data records are generated to support various transaction types, but the origin and association of these generated records become difficult to trace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding origin identifiers and parent transaction references into data records at the moment of creation, copying, conversion, or mapping. This preliminary tagging ensures that even as data records are transformed and adapted for different transaction types, their origin and association with parent transactions are preserved. The pre-established identifiers enable traceability throughout the data transformation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method of operating an electronic device for analyzing a processing engine of a transaction-processing system. Determined are data records related to transactions of the transaction-processing system, the data records including one or more data fields. Determined are in an embodiment, on the basis of data fields representing interface identifiers of interfaces used for sending requests and receiving replies, associations between request and reply data records. Determined are, on the basis of the similarity or identity of the contents of one or more data fields, indicative associations between data records. Assigned are, on the basis of the contents of one or more data fields of the respective data records, association weight sums to the indicative associations. Determined are, on the basis of the respective association weight sums, data records being associated to each other. Data records being associated to each other belong to the same transaction.