Virtual Data Conversion for Flexible Retrieval Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data retrieval/distribution systems lack flexibility in accommodating new data formats and abstract perspectives, requiring application modifications and limiting batch retrieval and ad-hoc perspective changes.
Innovation Solution
A data retrieval/distribution method and apparatus that utilize virtual data conversion definitions to convert and retrieve data, allowing for seamless integration of new data formats and dynamic perspective changes without modifying the application, enabling batch retrieval and ad-hoc data retrieval from abstract perspectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data conversion definitions are used to convert collected data into distribution format, then data format compatibility is improved, but the system lacks flexibility to accommodate new data formats without application modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data conversion functionality into independent, configurable conversion definition records. Each data source and target format combination is defined as a separate conversion rule that can be independently created, modified, or deleted without affecting the core application. This allows new data formats to be accommodated by simply adding new conversion definition records rather than modifying the application code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic data conversion by allowing conversion definitions to be configured and changed at runtime. The system loads conversion definitions from configuration files or databases, enabling flexible adaptation to new data formats without recompilation or application modification. Conversion parameters such as source format, target format, and conversion logic can be dynamically adjusted.
2Measurement precision
If data retrieval is performed for each individual target, then retrieval accuracy is improved, but batch retrieval from abstract perspectives is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal retrieval functionality that can operate at multiple levels of abstraction. The retrieval system supports both individual target queries and batch queries across multiple targets simultaneously. By defining retrieval conditions that can apply to groups of data sources or abstract categories, the system enables batch retrieval while maintaining the ability to retrieve from individual targets when needed, thus achieving multi-functionality in retrieval operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed data conversion definitions are used, then conversion consistency is improved, but flexibility to change retrieval perspectives ad hoc is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic conversion definitions that can be changed at runtime without compromising consistency. Conversion definitions are stored in configurable formats (files or databases) rather than hard-coded, allowing users to modify conversion rules, add new formats, or adjust conversion logic as needed. The system maintains consistency by applying the same conversion definition rules uniformly across all data conversions, while allowing flexible changes to the definitions themselves through configuration updates.
Data Source
AI summary
In a data retrieval/distribution apparatus which retrieves designated information from the collected data in accordance with a retrieval/distribution request sent from a data retrieval/distribution client, and sends a retrieval result to the data retrieval/distribution client, the data retrieval/distribution client sends, to the data retrieval/distribution server, the retrieval/distribution request including a first retrieval condition using a virtual data conversion definition, which is a virtualization of data conversion definitions as a definition for converting the collected data into a distribution format, a processing unit of the data retrieval/distribution apparatus generates a second retrieval condition using each of the data conversion definitions from the first retrieval condition, executes retrieval processing according to the generated second retrieval condition, and sends a retrieval result of the retrieval processing to the data retrieval/distribution client as a retrieval result according to the first retrieval condition.