XML Query Modes for Translation Storage Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional relational databases face inefficiencies in querying and storing translations for multiple languages, often requiring default translations for unsupported languages, leading to storage wastage and inefficient querying processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of XML-based translation services that store translations in schema-based XML documents within an XML-enabled database, allowing for dynamic language selection and user-provided translations, with query modes (explicit and implicit) to manage translation queries efficiently, leveraging XML and XPath/XQuery standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If relational databases store translations for entire set of languages, then all languages are supported, but storage space is wasted and querying is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the translation data storage by separating the language definition (XML schema) from the actual translation content. Only languages that need translations are defined in the XML schema, avoiding storage of translations for all possible languages. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple languages efficiently without wasting storage space on unused language translations.
2Reliability
If relational databases store default translations for unsupported languages, then all language queries can be satisfied, but storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the language definition metadata from the actual translation storage mechanism. The XML schema defines which languages are supported and what translation keys exist, while the actual translation strings are stored only for languages that need them. This extraction approach ensures translation availability for defined languages without storing default translations for all possible languages, thus maintaining reliability while improving storage efficiency.
3Productivity
If XML-based storage is used for translations, then query efficiency improves and storage is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universality of XML as a data format that serves multiple functions: it stores translation content, defines language metadata, validates data structure through schemas, and enables efficient querying through XPath expressions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each task, thereby improving query efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
4Reliability
If translations are stored in XML documents with schemas, then data integrity is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation by defining XML schemas that specify the structure, data types, and constraints of translation data before the actual translation storage and retrieval operations. This preliminary action ensures data integrity is maintained from the outset, reducing the need for complex validation logic during processing and thereby minimizing processing overhead during runtime operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with providing query modes for translation-enabled XML documents are described. One method embodiment includes receiving an XPath query to an XML document that may store a translation for a data element. The method embodiment may also include automatically selecting a query mode for the XPath query. The method embodiment may also include querying the XML document using the XPath query and the selected query mode. The query mode may control, at least in part, the operation of an XML database logic.