XML-Based Disconnected Data Access for Hierarchical Databases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disconnected data access methods for non-relational databases, particularly multivalued/hierarchical databases, are inefficient due to the need for normalization or flattening and the use of resource-intensive SQL commands, which are not well-suited for these database types.
Innovation Solution
An integration adapter system utilizing XML for disconnected data access, including modules for command, fill, communications, edit, update, and conflict management, allows for single network transactions and efficient data management in non-relational databases by mapping data sources to XML schemas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SQL commands are used for disconnected data access to non-relational databases, then compatibility with existing database access methods is maintained, but resource consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an XML-based intermediary layer that sits between the disconnected client and the non-relational database. This XML intermediary serves as a mediator that translates database operations into XML format, avoiding the need to force SQL commands onto non-relational databases. The XML format acts as a universal intermediate representation that can efficiently represent hierarchical and multivalued data structures native to non-relational databases without requiring normalization or flattening operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If normalization or flattening is applied to non-relational databases to satisfy SQL requirements, then SQL compatibility is achieved, but data structure integrity is compromised and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting non-relational data structures into relational SQL format (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using XML to represent data in a format that naturally accommodates hierarchical and multivalued structures. This inversion allows the system to work with non-relational databases in their native format, preserving data structure integrity while achieving compatibility through XML mapping rather than through normalization or flattening.
3Ease of operation
If multiple SQL commands are executed sequentially for each data change, then precise control over individual operations is maintained, but network transactions increase and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual SQL commands into a single XML-based data access set that can be transmitted and executed as one unified operation. Instead of sending separate commands for each data retrieval or update operation, the system combines multiple operations into a single XML document that represents a complete data access set. This merging reduces the number of network transactions while maintaining the ability to perform multiple data operations, thereby improving performance without sacrificing operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for providing a client with disconnected data access to a non-relational database. A command module requests non-relational XML data from a non-relational database using an XML mapping in response to a non-relational data request. A fill module receives the non-relational XML data from the non-relational database and populates one or more data access sets with the non-relational XML data. A communications module transmits the one or more data access sets to an integration broker in communication with the integration adapter.