Data-conversion method

• US 6,249,786 B1
• Filed: 09/23/1998
• Issued: 06/19/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/21/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rolf Wadewitz
• Original Assignee: Rolf Wadewitz
• Inventors: Wadewitz, Rolf
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHEUNG, MARY DA ZHI WANG
• Application Number:
  US09/155,338
• Time in Patent Office: 1,000 Days
• Field of Search: 707/1, 707/6, 707/200, 707/203, 707/500, 707/504, 707/511, 704/2
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/258 Data format conversion from or to a database
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99934 Query formulation, input preparation, or translation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99936 Pattern matching access
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99953 Recoverability

Abstract

A method for conversion of data between two applications or software packages, respectively, using different data formats to each other is provided. As a central problem in todays data processing, the bringing together and the exchange of data sources of different software packages has been recognized. For an intelligent conversion software there are viewed in the first place data structures from databases and data processing systems. Proceeding from the first recognition of a coarse structure, the file form is pre-classified in conversion tools. The conversion software provides a set of algorithms, by which the fine structure is detected and transformed automatically. The analysis of sample files from applications A and B is continued in the sub-structures, whereas finally, with the help of the analysis, the source data is converted into the target data being imported from application B.

Claims

1. A method for conversion of source data into target data between two applications using data formats different from each other, said method comprising:

exporting a relatively small quantity of data records out of data stock of a first application and out of data stock of a second application into a first export file from the first application and a second export file from the second application,

wherein the second application is able to re-import the data records of the second export file;

analyzing structure of the first export file and the second export file via conversion software to create a conversion pattern result including automatically establishing;

(a) a coarse structure for the first export file and the second export file structure for classifying file forms of the first export file and the second export file based on their coarse structure;

(b) a fine structure by recognizing record data elements and connections between the record data elements based on construction of a record of each of the first export file and second export file using a set of algorithms; and

(c) a sub-structure within the record data elements of each of the first export file and the second export file using the set of algorithms; and

converting the source data based on said conversion pattern result obtained in the analyzing step into the target data for being imported by the second application.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising a further step of:

saving the conversion pattern result obtained in the analyzing step in a form of pattern-cycle data for future direct conversion of the source data from the first application to the target data of second application.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the source data after the analyzing step is given into a target synthesis by which it is converted into the target data.

4. The method according to claim 1, the analyzing step further comprising:

classifying the first export file and the second export file by their form.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the fine structure is related to a record level containing the construction of the record and the connections between the record data elements among one another.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the sub-structure is subdivided into an elements level in which existence characteristics are defined for one record data element, and a symbol level comprising symbol room and number room.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the set of algorithms employs technologies of neuronal nets and/or fuzzy-logic.

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising a further step of:

constructing a data filter based on the conversion pattern result obtained by analyzing structure of the first export file and the second export file, said data filter comprising connection rules between the record data elements of the first export file and the second export file at file level, whereby after passing of data records from the first application through the data filter, new data records with new data elements (21) are obtained in a data format importable and exportable by the second application.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the record data elements of the first export file and the second export file are adaptable with one or more external databases.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising a further step of:

establishing one or more internal temporary databases for seeking and sorting of the data records.

11. A method for analyzing rules for conversion of source data into target data between two applications using data formats different from each other, said method comprising:

exporting a relatively small quantity of data records out of data stock of a first application and out of data stock of a second application into a first export file from the first application and a second export file from the second application, wherein the second application is able to re-import the data records of the second export file; and

analyzing structure of the first export file and the second export file via conversion software to create a conversion pattern result including automatically establishing;

(a) a coarse structure for the first export file and the second export file structure for classifying file forms of the first export file and the second export file based on their respective coarse structure;

(b) a fine structure by recognizing record data elements and connections between the record data elements based on construction of a record of each of the first export file and second export file using a set of algorithms; and

(c) a sub-structure within the record data elements of each of the first export file and the second export file using the set of algorithms.