XML Data Editing via Tabular Conversion and SQL Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently editing very large XML data due to complexities in handling flexible element and attribute names, hierarchical indentation, and the absence of limits on data quantity associated with elements and attributes, particularly when dealing with large datasets.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves preprocessing XML data to generate tabular data, which is stored in a database, allowing for efficient editing and searching by converting XML data into a generic format and using SQL queries to manage and update the data, enabling multiple users to edit simultaneously without requiring extensive volatile memory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If XML data is stored and edited directly in its native format, then data integrity and flexibility are maintained, but memory requirements and processing complexity increase significantly for very large datasets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the XML data into two parts: (1) a predefined schema that defines the structure, elements, and attributes, and (2) the actual data values. By separating the structure from the content, the system can store only the variable data portions in memory while keeping the structured framework in a database, thereby reducing memory requirements while maintaining data integrity through schema validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a preprocessing system that converts XML data into a tabular format before storage. This intermediary transformation layer allows the system to work with XML data without loading the entire document into memory, as the tabular representation can be stored efficiently in database tables and accessed as needed.
2Productivity
If XML data is preprocessed to generate tabular data for efficient editing, then memory requirements and processing speed improve, but system complexity and data transformation overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preprocessing XML data into tabular format before the editing phase. The system converts XML to tables, stores them in a database, and prepares query interfaces in advance. This upfront preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time XML parsing during editing operations, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through automated transformation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of XML data from hierarchical markup to tabular rows and columns. By transforming the data structure parameters (from nested elements to flat tables), the system enables more efficient storage, querying, and editing operations. The preprocessing step automatically handles this parameter transformation, managing the complexity of data conversion.
3Productivity
If multiple users edit XML data simultaneously, then collaboration and productivity improve, but data consistency and conflict management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a tabular representation of the XML data that can be shared across multiple users simultaneously. Each user works with the same underlying database tables rather than duplicate XML files, ensuring that all edits are based on a common data source. This copying approach enables collaboration while maintaining consistency through centralized database management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through database transactions and query systems that track and manage concurrent edits. When multiple users modify data, the system provides feedback through version control, conflict detection, and transaction management features that ensure data consistency. The database engine monitors and coordinates changes from multiple users, resolving conflicts and maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Enabling users to edit data encoded in extended markup language (XML). In one embodiment, an XML data to be edited is received and preprocessed to generate a tabular data corresponding to the XML data. The generated tabular data is stored in the form of a staging table in a database. On receiving a request indicating that a portion of the XML data is to be replaced by a new portion, a query corresponding to the request is generated. The query is directed to the staging table in the database and is designed to cause the portion to be replaced by the new portion in the tabular data. The query is then performed on the database to replace the portion with the new portion in the tabular data. Once the edits are completed, new XML data containing the edits is constructed from the modified tabular data.