XML Document Merge Using Schema Path Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Merging XML documents while maintaining compliance with the target XML schema is challenging, particularly in determining the correct insert location for modifications, which can lead to data integrity issues and requires manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system that receives an update document with paths to nodes within the document schema, applies updates to the target document based on eligible paths, and uses a tabular representation of the XML schema to ensure compliance, allowing for automated merging without manual intervention, supporting delta messages, and customizable updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to determine insert locations in the target document, then data integrity can be maintained, but the process requires manual intervention and is less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (schema-based path matching system) that automatically determines the correct insert locations by comparing update document paths with the target document structure. This intermediary automatically resolves the contradiction by providing automated location determination that maintains data integrity through schema validation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the document schema structure and pre-validating update paths against this schema before performing the actual merge operation. This preliminary schema validation ensures that all insert locations are predetermined and compliant, enabling fully automated merging while maintaining data integrity.
2Productivity
If automated merging is implemented without schema knowledge, then efficiency is improved, but data integrity compliance with XML schema is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously validates update paths against the target document schema during the automated merging process. If a path violates schema constraints, the system receives feedback and adjusts the merge operation accordingly, ensuring schema compliance while maintaining automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary schema validation on all update paths before executing the merge operation. This preliminary check ensures that only schema-compliant updates are processed automatically, preventing integrity violations while maintaining high merging efficiency.
3Productivity
If the system processes large numbers of concurrent merge operations, then productivity is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the merge operation into independent, modular components: schema validation, path matching, update application, and compliance verification. Each component can be independently executed and validated, allowing concurrent processing of multiple merge operations without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal merge processing framework that handles all XML document merges through a single standardized schema-based validation mechanism. This universal approach allows concurrent processing of diverse update scenarios using the same core logic, enhancing productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system merges documents, and comprises a computer system including at least one processor. The system receives an update document including one or more updates for a target document arranged according to a document schema defined by schema information. Update information includes one or more paths to nodes within the document schema, and is examined to identify eligible paths for the updates. The updates from the update document associated with the eligible paths are applied to the target document in accordance with the schema information to produce an updated document in compliance with the document schema. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for merging documents in substantially the same manner described above.